Alan Ivor Foster

The use of carbons produced from phenolic resins for flue gas desulphurization

Abstract Novel high-performance carbon adsorbents were produced by heat-treatment and carbonization of phenolic resin. They were compared with conventional activated carbons for the removal of SO 2 from combustion gases, and the nature of the interactions occurring on the carbon surface was clarified. Using a gas Chromatographic technique, isotherms for the physisorption of SO 2 were determined at appropriate temperatures for flue gas treatment. Selected carbons were then evaluated in a flow system and the effect of oxygen and water was studied. The new carbons exhibited a superior performance under all conditions, providing enhanced SO 2 uptake and easier regeneration. Measurement of the proportion of SO 2 and CO 2 present during regeneration also revealed less adsorbent wastage due to oxidation, implying that complete conversion of adsorbed SO 2 to sulphuric acid did not occur.