PSA properties of the rare earth complex adsorbent for ethylene adsorption from mixed gas

In order to separate C₂H₄-contained gas mixture more efficiently, a rare earth complex adsorbent prepared by composing a portion of rare earth with Cu(I) supported on activated carbon was described. Separation of C₂H₄ from mixed gas was studied on the adsorbent. Adsorption equilibriums of C₂H₄ and C₂H₆ on the rare earth complex adsorbent were also measured, respectively. The pressure swing adsorption (PSA) performances of C₂H₄ and C₂H₆ mixture, as well as the effects of O₂, CH₄ and CO₂ on the C₂H₄ adsorption, were investigated on the rare earth complex adsorbent. It could be seen from the experimental results that the rare earth complex adsorbent have a high selectivity of C₂H₄. The adsorption capacity of C₂H₄ is much higher than that of C₂H₆. The adsorbent also has a very stable pressure swing adsorption performance, which shows its potential for industrial application in the C₂H₄-contained mixtures separation for C₂H₄ recovery.