Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Adsorbent Fibers
Benak, Kelly Rene
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/82695
Description
Title
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Adsorbent Fibers
Author(s)
Benak, Kelly Rene
Issue Date
2001
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Economy, James
Department of Study
Materials Science and Engineering
Discipline
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Engineering, Materials Science
Language
eng
Abstract
This thesis is devoted to the design and development of three novel fibrous systems where the unique properties of commercially available activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were used as a foundation. In the first system, sulfonated pyropolymeric fibers derived from phenol-formaldehyde resins serve as cationic exchangers. This system was characterized through elemental analysis (EA), diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and nitrogen/carbon dioxide adsorption. Their performance as efficient ion exchange systems was evaluated through pressure drop, capacity and dynamic mode kinetic measurements. Total ion exchange capacities up to 19.5 meq/g were measured for the fibers with pressure drops less than half that of beads over a wide range of flow rates. The second system utilizes the activated carbon fiber as a template to prepare a high surface area zirconia fiber. Simultaneous differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetric analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, EA, and nitrogen adsorption were used to characterize the inorganic cloths. The information obtained provided fundamental materials properties used in the optimization of the inorganic fibers. The fibers possess surface areas of up to 101 m 2/g at 800°C. The final system took advantage of the ability to chemically modify an ACF surface to enhance the gas separation capability. The equilibrium adsorption of carbon dioxide and methane at standard temperature and pressure was used to calculate selectivity coefficients and thus measure the fiber's capacity to effectively separate the two gases. They were further characterized through EA and surface area. The separation coefficients obtained were compared against values reported in the literature for pillared clays, zeolites, and carbon molecular sieves. The chemically modified fibers exhibit selectivity factors as high as 4.03, which is better than values reported for pillared clays and 4A zeolites while remaining competitive with carbon molecular sieves.
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