Removal of ethylbenzene from air by graphene quantum dots and multi wall carbon nanotubes in present of UV radiation

Abstract

Luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as photocatalytic sorbent based on was used for removal of toxic ethylbenzene from air in present of UV-radiation. A novel method based on solid gas removal (SGR) based on GQDs and MWCNTs as an efficient adsorbent was used for ethylbenzene removal from air in Robson quartz tubes (RGT). After synthesized and purified of GQDs and MWCNTs, a system was designed for generation of ethylbenzene in air with difference concentrations, and then the mixture was moved to quartz tubes with UV radiation in optimized conditions. The ethylbenzene in air was absorbed on the 25 mg of GQDs or MWCNTs, desorbed from sorbent at 146oC and determined by GC-FID. The main parameters such as, temperature, ethylbenzene concentration, amount of GQDs / MWCNTs and flow rate were studied and optimized. The recovery of ethylbenzene removal from air (more than 95%) and absorption capacity of adsorbent (186.4 mg g-1) were achieved in present of UV radiation at room temperature by GQDs. The flow rate and temperature were obtained at 300 mL min-1 and less than 420C, respectively. Based on results, the special surface area and favorite porosity of GQDs caused to efficient removal of ethylbenzene from air in present of UV as compared to other carbon compounds such as MWCNTs, and graphene.