Efficacious removal of benzene and ammonia gases over visible light irradiated activated carbon

Abstract

Removal efficiencies of benzene and ammonia were studied using as-received commercial activated carbon (AC) at 0%, 30%, and 60% relative humid (RH) conditions with and without visible light irradiation. We showed that light enhanced the removal efficiency of benzene even under nitrogen, and the enhancement effect became more pronounced in the presence of H2O and O2. We also demonstrated that the ammonia removal efficiency can be enhanced by visible light irradiation under optimum humidity conditions. We further suggested more efficient migration of NH3 through the nanoporous channels of AC facilitated by light and water. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses addressed the changes in surface structure of AC caused by oxidizing agents such as OH. radicals created with light irradiation and other reagents.