Experimental investigation of the adsorption potential of pomegranate peel for hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases

Efficient adsorption of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases is pivotal for air purification, gas separation, and emission control in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment. The presented experimental work investigates the adsorption capabilities of pomegranate peel for gas components in a controlled environment. Gas composition was measured before and after exposing the peel to the gas mixture, initially at a high flow rate, which was subsequently reduced to a very low flow rate. The results showcase notable gas composition changes, highlighting the peel’s efficacy as an adsorbent. Remarkably, the peel exhibited significant adsorption of heavier hydrocarbons, as evidenced by substantial decreases in the mole fractions of iC₅, nC₅, C₆, and C₇₊ at both flow rates. Additionally, while nitrogen adsorption increased, carbon dioxide adsorption decreased, indicating a differential effect on different non-hydrocarbon gas components. These findings underscore the potential of pomegranate peel as a promising adsorbent for targeted gas components, with implications for industrial and environmental gas treatment processes.