Stoichiometric analysis of chemisorption of hydrogen-cyanide onto activated carbon cloth Original Research Article

Based on the experimental results, and on the analysis of the chemistry of cyanide ion bonding, possible mechanisms of bonding of this pollutant were assumed and confirmed. Activated carbon cloth (ACC) was impregnated with metalorganic compounds consisting of the following cations: copper, silver, iron, magnesium and aluminum, and the following anions: acetate, oxalate, tartrate, stearate and citrate. Cation and anion content of impregnants on the cloth were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and ion and gas chromatography. The analysis of stoichiometric utilization of chemical agent was done by calculation and the results of calculating the degree of stoichiometric utilization are presented. The image of the surface morphology of the materials were made by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Sorption properties of ACC were examined for hydrogen-cyanide and benzene in the gas phase, by standard gravimetric procedure in static conditions, with the use of Cahn RG electrobalance. Carbon materials impregnated with copper(II)-tartrate, silver(I)-citrate, and iron (III)-citrate, which demonstrated the best properties, and the best stoichiometric utilization, are completely characterized together with determination of basic parameters of the sorption system, which enables their application as new materials for chemisorption of cyanide. The salts of magnesium and aluminium that were used have no affinity for HCN bonding.