Adsorptive nonwoven with multi-3-dimensional structure for the adsorption of VOCs

Abstract A type of multi-3-dimensional structure nonwoven (M-3D-SN) adsorbent was obtained by the post-cross-linking on polypropylene (PP) nonwoven grafted styrene (ST) and divinylbenzene (DVB) for removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The nitrogen adsorption and desorption data revealed that the M-3D-SN (G = 200%) possess the highest specific surface area (446 m2/g) and pore volume (0.44 cm3/g). The adsorption mechanisms and interactions for three VOCs (styrene, n-hexane, acetone) were systematically elucidated. The results of dynamic adsorption experiments showed that the M-3D-SN (G = 200%) have larger adsorption capacity for styrene (353.61 mg/g), which was 35 times greater than that of original PP nonwoven. Meanwhile, the Yoon and Nelson model (Y–N model) for the nonwovens was successfully utilized to describe the adsorption breakthrough curves of VOCs. Also, the M-3D-SN showed good reusability due to its structural stability performance. Taken together, it is expected that M-3D-SN would be a promising adsorbent for the removal of VOCs from the gas streams.