Sorbent compositions having amorphous halogen species for the sequestration of contaminants

Abstract

Methods for the manufacture of sorbent compositions, sorbent compositions and methods for using the sorbent compositions. The methods include the utilization of an acidic halogen solution as a source of a halogen species that is dispersed on a solid sorbent. The use of the acidic halogen solution results in a highly active halogen species that demonstrates improved efficacy for the removal of heavy metal(s) from a flue gas. The sorbent composition includes a substantially amorphous halogen species associated with a solid sorbent such as powdered activated carbon (PAC).

1 - 122 . (canceled) 
     
     
         123 . A sorbent composition comprising:
 a carbonaceous sorbent; and   an iodine-containing species that is in a substantially amorphous form on the carbonaceous sorbent,   wherein the sorbent composition is formed by contacting the carbonaceous sorbent with an acidic solution comprising a mineral acid and the iodine-containing species.   
     
     
         124 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 123 , wherein the iodine-containing species is derived from an iodine containing salt. 
     
     
         125 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the iodine containing salt is potassium iodide. 
     
     
         126 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 123 , wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         127 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 126 , wherein the mineral acid comprises sulfuric acid, and the sorbent composition further comprises a polyatomic anion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, bisulfate, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         128 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 126 , wherein the mineral acid comprises phosphoric acid, and the sorbent composition further comprises a polyatomic anion selected from the group consisting of phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, and combinations thereof 
     
     
         129 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 126 , wherein the mineral acid comprises nitric acid, and the sorbent composition further comprises further comprises a nitrate anion. 
     
     
         130 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition further comprises a cation selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         131 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition comprises at least about 0.5 wt. % of the iodine-containing species. 
     
     
         132 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition comprises at least about 5 wt. % of the iodine-containing species. 
     
     
         133 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition comprises not greater than about 15 wt. % of the iodine-containing species. 
     
     
         134 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition comprises not greater than about 5 wt. % of the iodine-containing species. 
     
     
         135 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition comprises at least about 3 wt. % and not greater than 15 wt. % moisture. 
     
     
         136 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the carbonaceous sorbent is powdered activated carbon. 
     
     
         137 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the carbonaceous sorbent has a median average particle size (D50) of not greater than about 30 μm. 
     
     
         138 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the carbonaceous sorbent has a median average particle size (D50) of not greater than about 15 μm. 
     
     
         139 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the carbonaceous sorbent has a total pore volume of at least about 0.2 cc/g. 
     
     
         140 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the carbonaceous sorbent has a surface area of at least about 350 m 2 /g. 
     
     
         141 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein a ratio of the iodine containing species to the mineral acid in the acidic solution is at least about 1:2 and not greater than about 10:1. 
     
     
         142 . The sorbent composition recited in  claim 124 , wherein the sorbent composition is essentially free of a halide salt that is in a crystalline form.