Activated carbon for gas adsorption and its application in gas mask respirator filters: a review

• Published in: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
• Main Authors: Noraini, N. M. R.; Zainol, M. M.; Alias, A. B.; Sulaiman, N. S.; Azmir, N. A.; Taib, I.; Damanhuri, A. A. M.; Osman, B.
• Format: Review; Early Access
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGER 2024
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences & Ecology
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001354784900001

Exposures and emissions of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds at the industrial level, are regulated by legislation or standards. Engineering measures are compulsory to ensure minimal or zero levels of toxic gases are released. Effective and reliable respiratory protective equipment serves as the last line of protection for workers and is equally crucial for control measures. Activated carbon (AC) is a superior material that has been widely used in environmental applications and is commonly employed as a filter material used in gas mask respirators. The goals of this research are to explore recent advancements in AC for adsorbing toxic gases and to conduct an in-depth review of AC usage in gas mask respirator filters, cartridges, or canisters. The preliminary study found that less than 100 articles or journals related to materials used in gas mask filters were published in the past decade. This review also enhances understanding of the significance of AC properties in gas respirator applications and highlights current advancements in carbon materials as gas adsorbents. This review is the first to comprehensively describe AC as a cartridge material, addressing reports in the last 10 years on factors affecting cartridge efficiency, estimation of service life, and testing methods.