Sorptive effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on activated carbon fibers (ACF) and indoor sink materials - A test chamber study

Detailed studies on sorption properties of VOCs on ACF evaluated the effectiveness of ACF for removal of indoor VOCs in the passive mode. Sorptive properties of selected indoor sink materials were also investigated. Three VOCs: toluene, acetone and limonene were examined in this study, and four indoor sorptive materials: carpet, cotton, polyester and gypsum board were tested. The experimental data for indoor materials and empty test chamber surfaces was found to be in good agreement in fitting the linear sink model based on the Langmuir adsorption process, while the experimental data for ACF was found to be acceptable in fitting the non-linear sink model based on the Freundlich adsorption process. These experimental results on sorption kinetics of ACF in the passive mode appear to be promising for control of indoor VOCs, even considering the potential competition from indoor sorptive materials.