Experimental study on NO removal by surface activated bamboo charcoal

A new modified low-cost adsorbent bamboo charcoal (BC) was used for the removal of NO. It was found that activation methods, including H2O2 oxidation, alkali treatment, thermal modification, and metal loading were beneficial to the NO pollutant removal process. The maximal NO removal efficiency (85.9%) could be achieved by the modified BC, which was 2 times higher than that of the original sample (38.1%). Both the original adsorbent and the improved sample were characterized by SEM, XRD, BET, and XPS to determine the denitration mechanism by BC. Results show that the denitration mechanism was composed of three stages, including physical adsorption, surface oxidation, and chemical adsorption process. An increase in the BET surface area and oxygen functional groups, especially the CO and COO groups had a promotional effect on the NO removal efficiency. This study provides a new idea for better understanding the BC adsorbent for NO pollutant control.