Studies of reactions on metal-impregnated charcoal: Characterization and the thermal desorption of water Original Research Article

Copper- and chromium-impregnated and non-impregnated charcoals have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, showing the composition and distribution of elements in the charcoal substrate. Water (as D2O) was reacted with dried charcoals and its gradual thermal desorption was studied by mass spectrometry. The impregnated charcoal retains substantially more water over a wider temperature span. It is suggested that Cr3+, in particular, increases the number of high-energy adsorption sites. Thermal desorption also results in decomposition of metal hydroxides and reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+ and Cr6+ to Cr3+.