The Removal of 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide Using Activated Carbon Nanofibers Embedded with MgO and Al2O3 Nanoparticles

The 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) decontamination ability of MgO and Al2O3 nanoparticles embedded in activated carbon nanofibers is investigated. It was found that higher amounts of embedded metal oxide nanoparticles lead to higher decontamination of 2-CEES. Moreover, decontamination of 2-CEES increases with higher specific surface area of the embedded metal oxide nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared studies showed that MgO and Al2O3 nanoparticles embedded in activated carbon nanofibers adsorb and destroy 2-CEES through the formation of covalent/alkoxide bonds between 2-CEES and the surface reactive oxide/hydroxyl groups of metal oxide nanoparticles. It was also found that the weight loss and cross sectional shrinkage of the nanofibers, occurring during activation at elevated temperatures, is affected by the specific surface area and amount of embedded MgO and Al2O3 nanoparticles.