An examination of how exposure to humid air can result in changes in the adsorption properties of activated carbons

Abstract Dynamic water adsorption isotherms and methanol and hexane breakthrough curves have been measured for samples of ASC, BPL and 208A activated carbons under conditions appropriate to their use in vapor filters. The differences in performance between control and samples that had previously been exposed to air at RH 80% and 22°C is discussed in terms of surface oxidation. Comparison of the breakthrough of methanol vapor through samples of dry charcoal is a convenient way of monitoring surface changes.