Isotherm and kinetic models of SO2 adsorption on palm kernel shell-activated carbon and xerogel blends: Effect of flow rate and contact time

• A novel adsorbent for capturing SO₂ through adsorption has been explored. • A composite adsorbent for SO 2 has been Developed. • Palm kernel shell-activated carbon and xerogel have been used for the adsorption. • Modelling of adsorption isotherm of the performance of SO 2 adsorption has been conducted. • Thomas and Yoon-Nelson Model found to be the best model for SO 2 removal. Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) is released into the atmosphere when coal-fired power plants run, which may substantially impair the environment. SO 2 in flue gas causes respiratory difficulties and acid rain, and as energy consumption rises, the amount of SO 2 emitted into the environment also rises. SO₂ can effectively be removed from gases or air streams through adsorption, where it is captured and retained onto a solid surface, such as activated carbon. This research focuses on developing and evaluating a composite adsorbent made from palm kernel shell-activated carbon and xerogel (PKSACX) for the adsorption of sulphur dioxide (SO₂). The main objectives are to study the modelling of adsorption isotherm (Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Adam-Bohart models) and to determine the adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first and pseudo-second order) of the performance of SO 2 adsorption on a blended series of palm kernel shell-activated carbon and xerogel. Based on the result obtained, the adsorption process mathematically described by the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson Model is the best model for SO 2 removal compared to the Adam-Bohart model. Pseudo-First Order and Pseudo-Second Order kinetic models were utilized. The correlation coefficient (R 2 ) was used to assess the equation's suitability. The PKSACXB adsorption processes suit both the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order equations. This indicates that throughout the adsorption process, both physisorption and chemisorption occur.