SO2 and NOx adsorption properties of activated carbons obtained from a pitch containing iron derivatives

Abstract Activated carbons derived from a petroleum pitch impregnated with certain iron derivatives by pyrolysis and subsequent activation with CO 2 show good SO 2 and NO x sorbent characteristics. These characteristics are better than those of similarly activated carbons impregnated with iron after the activation process. This behaviour is basically attributed to the more favourable surface properties obtained in the pyrolysis step and to a more homogeneous distribution of the iron (responsible for a high catalytic activity) on the carbonaceous matrices. Moreover, activated carbons with better sorbent properties are less sensitive to the loss of sorbent activity after some adsorption–desorption cycles that simulate their use in the treatment of industrial flue gases.