Adsorption breakthrough of benzene in the fixed bed of modified activated carbon under different humidity conditions

The breakthrough curves of benzene and water on modified activated carbons (ACs) were investigated. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments were conducted to measure the TPD curves of benzene and water on modified and unmodified ACs and to estimate the activation energy for the desorption of benzene on the modified ACs. Starting with unmodified ACs, two modified ACs were prepared by using two different types of silane, designated by KH560 and 1706. The results showed that the activation energy for the desorption of benzene on KH560/AC and 1706/AC was higher than that on unmodified AC. In addition, the activation energy for the desorption of water on KH560/AC and 1706/AC was lower than that on unmodified AC. The breakthrough curves of benzene obtained from the experimental observations under different humidity conditions were compared with the results of the TPD experiments. The results show that the modified ACs are less affected by water, whereas the unmodified ACs are more affected by water, indicating that surface modification by organosilane compounds can improve the adsorption of benzene on the activated carbo, which weakens the adsorption of water.