The influence of nitrogen groups introduced onto activated carbons by high- or low-temperature NH3 treatment on SO2 sorption capacity

Activated carbons modified with ammonia were used as sorbents of SO2. The SO2 uptake was dependent on both texture and type of surface groups introduced onto the studied materials. The most important parameter was the size of micropores, which positively influenced the amount adsorbed. Differing chemical properties had a mixed influence. The oxygen-containing groups negatively affected SO2 amount adsorbed. N-containing moieties had a positive influence, while the amount of introduced nitrogen was not the major parameter where SO2 uptake was concerned, possibly due to the differences in the type of introduced surface species.