Catalytic oxidation of NO at low concentrations by carbon nanofibers near room temperature

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers obtained by electrospinning were used to prepare PAN-based carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) by pre-oxidation, carbonization and high-temperature treatment in NH₃. The PCNFs were used for the removal of low concentrations of NO (5×10⁻⁵) near room temperature (20 °C) by catalytic oxidation. Results indicated that the PCNFs had high porosity and a large specific surface area, and their diameters could be regulated by changing the PAN concentration. The smaller the diameter of the PCNFs the more micropores were developed, and the larger the specific surface area the better the adsorption and catalytic oxidation performance.