Density functional theory study on Hg removal mechanisms of Cu-impregnated activated carbon prepared by simplified method

The preparation of activated carbon sorbent for Hg removal was simplified by combining activation and functionalization processes into one step. Jujube-based carbon material was first mixed with CuCl2 solution and then activated for the preparation of Cu-impregnated activated carbon. Physical and chemical properties of prepared activated carbon were investigated by means of N2 adsorption, SEM-EDS, XRD. A fixed-bed reactor with CEMS (Continuous emission monitoring system) was used to test the Hg adsorption ability of prepared activated carbon. DFT (Density functional theory) method of computational chemistry calculation was applied to identify the Hg adsorption mechanisms on sorbent surface.