A review of adsorption intensified by microwave irradiation from absorbent preparation to separation processes

Compared with the traditional heating modes, microwave technology is promising to intensify adsorption pro-cesses, due to its ability to accelerate the production rate of adsorbents and achieve adsorption equilibrium faster. This review paper describes the state-of-the-art field of microwave technology used for the adsorption separation, with a particular focus on microwave assisted preparation of various adsorbents, including metals, high molecular polymers, biology, and composite adsorption materials. The mechanisms of microwave -intensified adsorbents preparation and processes of adsorption separation, as well as the practical applications of microwave techniques in the adsorption/desorption field are explained and discussed. Finally, efforts to promote microwave intensification technology to industrial use in the field of adsorption and open questions in the development of industrial-scale microwave-assisted techniques are outlined.

Automated summary

Compared with traditional heating modes, microwave technology has the potential to enhance adsorption processes by accelerating the production rate of adsorbents and achieving adsorption equilibrium faster. This review paper discusses the state-of-the-art field of microwave technology used for adsorption separation, with a specific focus on microwave-assisted preparation of different types of adsorbents. The mechanisms of microwave-intensified adsorbents preparation, processes of adsorption separation, practical applications, and open questions regarding industrial-scale microwave-assisted techniques are explained and discussed.