[dudeman]

Activated carbon filtration is used to filter liquids and air. It works by capturing particles in porous membranes but how does it really work?

Currently, my theory is the ratio of the chemicals passing through determines which chemical is removed. The grade of activated carbon is also important.

[Arkcon]

Briefly, the mechanism involved is pi-bond stacking in closely placed flat planes of graphite.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_carbon#Properties

[dudeman]

I'm still having trouble grasping what I need to know. I need to know how to predict the results of passing gases and liquids through the filter. Right now my problem is a dcm supplier on eBay. The DCM supplier he supplies contains an unknown impurity that carries over when distilled. The impurities white. The DCM came in a white ldpe bottle.

This isn't the main reason I've come to you guys though. I also want to know how well AC filters out, neurotoxic, volatile solvent fumes that may be sucked out from a fume hood.

[dudeman]

Oh and what about other poisons like arsenic or hydrogen cyanide?

[dudeman]

And what happens when its not absorbing anymore? I've come up with the idea to incinerate it...