Science of bamboo charcoal: Study on carbonizing temperature of bamboo charcoal and removal capability of harmful gases

We examined the relationship between the carbonizing temperature of bamboo carbide made from Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) and the removal effect of harmful gases and odorants, and the use of a bamboo charcoal as a countermeasure for Sick Building Syndrome or Chemical Sensitivity and the use as a deodorant. With regard to the carbonizing temperature of the bamboo charcoal, a temperature sensor was installed inside each bamboo material and the carbonizing temperature was controlled at 500, 700 and 1000degreesC. The removal effect was tested for formaldehyde, toluene and benzene that are known to cause Sick Building Syndrome or Chemical Sensitivity and for ammonia, indole, skatole and nonenal as odorants. The formaldehyde removal effect was only slightly different in the charcoal at all the carbonizing temperatures. The benzene, toluene, indole, skatole and nonenal removal effect were the highest for the bamboo charcoal carbonized at 1000degreesC and tended to increase as the carbonizing temperature of the bamboo charcoal increased. The removal effect for ammonia was the highest on the bamboo charcoal carbonized at 500degreesC. It is concluded that the effective carbonizing temperature is different for each chemical, and a charcoal must be specifically selected for use as an adsorbent or deodorant.