Metal loaded zeolite adsorbents for hydrogen cyanide removal

Metal (Cu, Co, or Zn) loaded ZSM-5 and Y zeolite adsorbents were prepared for the adsorption of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) toxic gas. The results showed that the HCN breakthrough capacity was enhanced significantly when zeolites were loaded with Cu. The physical and chemical properties of the adsorbents that influence the HCN adsorption capacity were analyzed. The maximal HCN breakthrough capacities were about the same for both zeolites at 2.2 mol of HCN/mol of Cu. The Cu2p XPS spectra showed that the possible species present were Cu₂O and CuO. The N1s XPS data and FT-IR spectra indicated that CN^- would be formed in the presence of Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ and oxygen gas, and the reaction product could be adsorbed onto Cu/ZSM-5 zeolite more easily than HCN.