Effect of pore characteristics on DMMP adsorption of activated carbon fibers from various precursors

Chemical warfare agents (CWA) pose significant hazards by rapidly attacking the nervous system, respiratory system, skin, and vital organs, leading to severe and often fatal outcomes. In order to ensure the effective protection of humans from CWA, it is necessary to utilize an adsorbent with both a high adsorption capacity and a rapid adsorption rate. In this study, ACF was selected as the adsorbent for CWA due to its superior adsorption characteristics in comparison to other adsorbents. The ACF were prepared as CBRN protective suit adsorbents by steam activation method. The textural properties of ACF were studied by N2/77 K isotherm adsorption-desorption curves. The dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) adsorption behavior of ACF was analyzed through breakthrough experiments and compared with Saratoga AC. The specific surface area of the isotropic pitch fiber-derived ACF (P-ACF) and lyocell rayon fiber-derived ACF (R-ACF) were determined to be 660-2210 m2/g and 990-1830 m2/g, respectively. As a result, the adsorption performance of ACF was confirmed to be influenced by the pore characteristics according to the precursor crystal structure. Furthermore, P-H-4 was confirmed to have the 3.2 times higher DMMP adsorption capacity than Saratoga AC. Therefore, this study demonstrates the significant application of ACF as adsorbents for CBRN protective suits.