Synthesis of molecular sieves from carbon precursors

• Grant number: 00/13406-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: March 01, 2001
• End date: May 31, 2005
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Aparecido dos Reis Coutinho
• Grantee: Aparecido dos Reis Coutinho
• Company: Multivácuo Aeroespacial Ltda
• City: São José dos Campos

Abstract

This project aims to develop and produce a Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) using national, renewable raw materials (biomass), with a view to replacing the activated aluminum molecular sieve, currently imported, for use in the special filters produced by the company. The project also aims to set up a pilot manufacturing facility for the production of Activated Granular Carbon (AGC), to be used in replacement for conventional powder-form activated carbons and also to serve as a basic material for the design and building of new filter models for various applications. In phase 1 of the project it is intended to carry out work to demonstrate the technical viability of the process: the setting up of a pilot production infrastructure for the production of AGC in the company in order to embrace and establish the carbonization and activation of biomass technology developed in UNIMEP’s Laboratory for Carbonous Materials (FAPESP Project Process 95/09627-6); development of the methodology of transformation of activated carbons into CMS in the Laboratory for Plasmas and Processes (LPP) of ITA; and the complete chemical and physical characterization of the products obtained (AGC and CMS) with the collaboration of third parties. The AGC developed will also be used as raw material for the production of CMS in phase 2 of the project. In the first Phase, the development of the process for obtaining CMS using plasma will be carried out using small samples produced in UNINEP. The conversion of AGC into CMS will be carried out with the creation of micropores (d < 4 nm) of homogeneous size to retain by adsorption specific molecules and radicals, even those of low molecular weight. The micropores will be produced by the adaptation and utilization of caged hollow-cathode cold plasma technology developed in ITA’s LPFI. The anticipated effect is the blocking of mesoand macro pores produced by the depositing of carbon followed by reactivation and/or opening of narrow channels on the surface due to selective corrosions produced by the reactive plasmas. Phase 2 of the project will entail the work of setting up a complete system for the production of Activated Carbon Molecular Sieves on a pilot scale, in Multivácuo, and the consolidation of the applicability of this product in areas such as: vacuum filters in general, air filters for clean rooms and hospitals, air processor and adsorption of residual ozone in collaboration. (AU)