The effect of silver nanoparticles on the absorption capacity of USY zeolite in the process of absorption of toluene vapors from the air

Toluene is one of the most important pollutant in various industries such as petrochemical. Absorption of solvents on the substrate is an effective control method for volatile organic compounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of silver nanoparticles on the absorption capacity of USY zeolite in the process of absorbing toluene vapors from the airflow.
The Ag / USY catalyst composition was prepared using an impregnation method, and each of the adsorbents was placed in a quantity of 1 g inside a quartz glass cylinder with a length of 25 cm and an inner diameter of 10 mm .In order to maintain a dynamic flow of toluene vapors in reactor, impregnation method was used. Input and output toluene concentrations were measured using direct reading instruments. Effectiveness of absorbents was determined based on the Breaking point and adsorption capacity.
Toluene dynamic vapor with 40 ppm concentration and air flow rate of 0.5 L / min by 1 g of USY and Ag / USY adsorbent, containing 3.9% of silver nanoparticles, were fully absorbed in 465 and 873 minutes, after which the breaking point And gradually absorption decreased, so that it was saturated at 153 and 162 minutes, respectively, and the concentration of toluene vapors in the reactor outlet was equal to the initial value.
The results of the study showed that Ag / USY adsorbent containing 3.9% of silver nanoparticles, had only a loss of time and higher absorption time than zeolite.