Removal of Indoor Air Pollutants Using Activated Carbon—A Review

Abstract

Indoor air pollution and its control are a major health concern as a person spends 70% of his day indoors. Adsorption is one of the most preferred air purification systems as it has no by-products. Zeolites, porous clay ore, activated alumina, silica gel, and molecular sieve adsorbents have also been used for removal of the indoor air pollutants. Activated carbon is preferred due to its high microporous volume and adsorption kinetics. Researchers have studied the removal efficiency of activated carbon using various methods under various conditions. Carbon activated chemically or thermally can be used for removal of indoor air pollutants in the form of granules or fibers. The present study compares the effects of activation process, temperature, and relative humidity on the removal efficiency of activated carbon as an indoor air purifier.