Adsorption-based CO removal: Principles and materials

Carbon monoxide is a feedstock used in the petrochemical industry for production of many chemicals. These processes require separation or purification of CO. Adsorption is a cost and energy-effective method of separation that can provide high CO adsorption capacity and selectivity with correct selection of adsorbent. In this review, an overview of equilibrium and dynamic adsorption setups with equilibrium and kinetic models of adsorption are presented. Adsorption data collection using equilibrium and dynamic setups, FTIR, mass spectroscopy, and microcalorimetry, are presented. We emphasized the need to explore the performance of new adsorbents in realistic conditions and a better understanding of adsorbent-adsorbate interaction. We gave a detailed overview of CO adsorption technology discussing CO adsorbents and the respective challenges. Chemical modification methods were reviewed for various porous supports such as activated carbon, zeolites, mesoporous silica, alumina, and metal-organic frameworks. We highlighted novel chemical modification techniques and how they affect the performance of adsorbents (i.e., adsorption capacity and selectivity). Finally, we presented the required future direction for research in the field of CO adsorption.