Liquid-Phase Adsorption/Oxidation of Sulfur-Containing Species by Activated Carbon

Liquid phase (n-hexene) adsorption of propanethiol on activated carbons is commonly accompanied by surface assisted oxidation processes of propanethiol to dipropyl disulfide (DPDS). In fact, both the porous structure and surface chemistry influence the adsorption/oxidation process. Whereas the porous structure is the main parameter defining the removal kinetics, the surface chemistry affects the extent of propanethiol oxidation and, consequently, the total removal capacity.

Keywords: activated carbon; propanethiol; sulfur removal; porous structure; surface chemistry