Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Optimal composite absorbent (BDO 35%, triethylene glycol 10%, sodium citrate 5%) achieves an acetone absorption capacity of 51.97 g·kg−1, 2.39× higher than pure water (21.77 g·kg−1), significantly improving absorption efficiency and economic viability for industrial VOC treatment. • • DFT and AIM analyses confirm that BDO forms the strongest hydrogen bonds with acetone, exhibiting the shortest bond length and highest electron density, which mechanistically explains its superior absorption performance and guides rational absorbent design. • • In treating a 100 kmol·h−1 feed gas with 2 mol% acetone, the composite absorbent reduces absorbent consumption by 36.2% compared to pure water, directly lowering material costs and waste generation in large-scale operations. • • Regeneration simulations targeting 99% acetone recovery show a 41.15% reduction in total energy consumption relative to pure water, demonstrating substantial operational cost savings and enhanced sustainability for industrial implementation.
Abstract
Acetone, a widely used solvent in the pharmaceutical industry, poses environmental and economic challenges due to its high volatility and the low concentration of acetone in water-based absorbents, which complicates recovery. This study proposes a composite absorbent comprising 1,4-butanediol (BDO), triethylene glycol, sodium citrate, and water, aiming to enhance acetone absorption capacity and enable cost-effective resource recovery. Response surface methodology optimized the absorbent composition to BDO 35%, triethylene glycol 10%, and sodium citrate 5%, achieving an acetone absorption capacity of 51.97 g·kg−1, which is 2.39 times that of pure water (21.77 g·kg−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and AIM topological analysis revealed that BDO forms stronger hydrogen bonds with acetone, characterized by shorter bond lengths and higher electron density, underpinning its superior molecular recognition and absorption capability. Process simulation of absorption-regeneration cycles demonstrated that, compared to pure water, the composite absorbent reduces absorbent consumption by 36.2% and regeneration energy consumption by 41.15% while achieving effluent acetone concentrations below 100 mg·m−3. This multi-scale investigation, spanning macroscopic experiments, molecular mechanisms, and process simulation, validates the feasibility and advantages of BDO-based composite absorbents for VOC control, providing theoretical and data support for the engineering application of alcohol-based absorbents in efficient organic pollutant separation.
1. Introduction
Acetone, a prevalent volatile organic compound (VOC) in pharmaceutical and chemical industries, poses significant environmental and health risks due to its high volatility and role as a precursor to ozone and secondary organic aerosols. Conventional absorption using water is limited by low acetone solubility, resulting in dilute absorbent streams that are energy-intensive to regenerate and economically unfavorable for solvent recovery. While alternative absorbents such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents offer higher capacities, their high viscosity, synthesis costs, and regeneration energy demands hinder industrial scalability.
This study addresses these bottlenecks by developing a composite absorbent based on 1,4-butanediol (BDO), triethylene glycol, and sodium citrate. The formulation leverages the hydrogen-bonding capability of polyols to enhance acetone affinity, while sodium citrate acts as a stabilizer. Through response surface optimization, the absorbent achieves a 2.39-fold increase in absorption capacity over water, and process simulations demonstrate significant reductions in absorbent usage and energy consumption. This work provides a systematic framework for designing efficient, cost-effective absorbents for VOC control, bridging molecular-level insights with engineering performance.
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CHEN Changtao, MENG Haoyu, ZHOU Hongming, ZHANG Feng, LONG Chao (2026). Experimental Study on Purification of Acetone Waste Gas by a Novel Composite Absorbent. Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering. https://doi.org/10.12030/j.cjee.202509004
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum acetone absorption capacity of the optimized composite absorbent, and how does it compare to pure water?
The optimized composite absorbent (BDO 35%, triethylene glycol 10%, sodium citrate 5%) achieves an acetone absorption capacity of 51.97 g·kg−1, which is 2.39 times higher than that of pure water (21.77 g·kg−1). This significant enhancement is attributed to the strong hydrogen bonding between BDO and acetone, as confirmed by DFT calculations.
How does the composite absorbent reduce energy consumption in the regeneration process?
In the absorption-regeneration simulation, the composite absorbent reduces total energy consumption by 41.15% compared to pure water, while achieving 99% acetone recovery. This is primarily due to the higher acetone loading in the absorbent, which reduces the volume of solvent to be heated and the associated steam consumption.
What are the optimal operating conditions for the absorption process?
The experiments were conducted at 30 °C, with two nitrogen gas streams at a flow rate of 5 L·min−1 each, controlling the acetone inlet concentration. The optimal absorbent composition was determined via response surface methodology, and the absorption capacity was measured under these conditions.
What is the mechanism behind the superior absorption performance of BDO compared to other components?
DFT calculations and AIM analysis reveal that BDO forms hydrogen bonds with acetone that have the shortest bond length and highest electron density among the tested components (BDO, triethylene glycol, and water). This stronger interaction enhances the molecular recognition and absorption capacity of the absorbent.
Can the composite absorbent be regenerated and reused effectively?
Yes, the regeneration simulation indicates that the composite absorbent can be regenerated to recover 99% of the absorbed acetone. The process requires significantly less energy (41.15% reduction) compared to pure water, demonstrating its economic and operational feasibility for industrial applications.
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