A review of adsorption intensified by microwave irradiation from absorbent preparation to separation processes

Abstract

Compared with the traditional heating modes, microwave technology is promising to intensify adsorption processes, due to its ability to accelerate the production rate of adsorbents and achieve adsorption equilibrium faster. This review paper describes the state-of-the-art field of microwave technology used for the adsorption separation, with a particular focus on microwave assisted preparation of various adsorbents, including metals, high molecular polymers, biology, and composite adsorption materials. The mechanisms of microwave-intensified adsorbents preparation and processes of adsorption separation, as well as the practical applications of microwave techniques in the adsorption/desorption field are explained and discussed. Finally, efforts to promote microwave intensification technology to industrial use in the field of adsorption and open questions in the development of industrial-scale microwave-assisted techniques are outlined.