Investigation of the Performance of Molybdenum- Impregnated Activated Carbon for The Reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) From Leather Processing.
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Date
2024
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The increasing concerns regarding the adverse effects of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions on human health and the environment have necessitated the development of effective strategies for VOC reduction. This study aims to investigate the impregnation process and optimize parameters such as hydraulic retention time (HRT), pressure, and pH in order to enhance the catalytic activity and VOC adsorption capacity of activated carbon. The performance evaluation of the optimized composite material, consisting of activated carbon impregnated with a molybdenum catalyst (Mo-ACM) with a 3% loading of Mo, was conducted and the physicochemical characteristics of the composite material were determined and found to be; density (0.386 g/cm³), moisture content (4.9%), ash content (75.67%), pH (11), and HRT (120 minutes), instrumental analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the metal catalysts, revealing peak shifts indicating the presence of molybdenum. X-ray diffraction analysis showed sharp peaks at 26.380° and 44.60°, while scanning electron microscopy with elemental mapping analysis demonstrated a more uniform distribution, slightly rougher morphology, and increased pore connectivity in Mo-ACM, resulting in a contiguous network of voids. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) confirmed the presence of molybdenum (Mo), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis indicated the presence of free electrons at g=1.9872.The treatment efficiency of VOCs was monitored using chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, and UV-vis analysis. The initial tannery raw water, after stripping and dissolution, exhibited COD and TOC levels of 35,200 mg/L and 7,200 mg/L, respectively. After treatment, COD levels decreased to 192 mg/L, and TOC levels decreased to156.4 mg/L, indicating a reduction rate of 95%. The catalytic efficiency of Mo-ACM was determined to be 87.2% over 10 treatment cycles, highlighting its effectiveness in VOC treatment and prevention of air pollution. The findings of this study empower these industries to adopt sustainable practices and meet stringent environmental regulations.
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Keywords
Volatile organic compounds, Molybdenum impregnated activated carbon material, catalytic oxidation of VOC’s and CETP effluents