Research Progress on Flue Gas Desulfurization and Denitrification by Activated Carbon Method

SO2 and NOx emissions from iron and steel production pollute the atmosphere. With the implementation of ultra-low emission standards, the requirements for flue gas purification have become more stringent. Activated carbon, due to its rich surface chemistry, stable physical structure, and excellent adsorption and renewability, has a significant effect on the synergistic removal of multiple pollutants from industrial flue gas, and its industrial application has achieved a SO2 removal rate of ≥98% and a NOx removal rate of ≥83%. Firstly, we analyze the structure of activated carbon and the adsorption principle, discuss the mechanism of desulfurization and denitrification, and explore the shortcomings of the technology; then, we summarize the modification methods of activated carbon, determine the impregnation method of loading non-precious metal oxides as the optimal solution, and elucidate the loading conditions, process, and reaction mechanism; finally, we discuss the current status of the research, analyze the process deficiencies and the direction of optimization, and look forward to the prospect of development.