Removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous solution by activated carbon cloths

Abstract

Granular activated carbon (GAC) is easily used in water or wastewater treatment in order to remove organic micropollutants. Recently, a new presentation of activated carbon has been developed: fibrous activated carbon in the form of cloth or felt. This work investigates the adsorption onto activated carbon cloths (ACC) of various phenolic compounds from aqueous solution. Experiments were carried out in batch reactors with two ACCs (called CS 1501 and RS 1301) and their performances were compared with those of GAC. Initial adsorption kinetic coefficients were higher with fibers than with granules due to the direct connection of micropores to the external surface of fibers. Adsorption isotherms were also performed and modelized by Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Adsorption capacities were similar or higher with ACCs than with GAC. The behaviour of the ACC CS 1501 was also studied in a dynamic reactor. The breakthrough curves allowed the determination of high maximum adsorption capacities, 117 mg.g−1 for phenol. Pressure drops in ACC beds were measured and the influence of various parameters was shown: the activation step, the number of fabric layers, the space between two layers.