Mesh activated carbon filter impregnated with lithium hydroxide and Zeolite crystals in the form of Clinoptilolite (most abundant form found). The scientific explanation of these three materials are as follows; The activated carbon acts as an adsorption media for volatile organic carbons from exhaust laden atmospheres; the lithium hydroxide acts as a adsorbant media for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide resulting in the formation of a molecule of water being produced which is then absorbed by the Zeolite crystal. The following reactions will produce a safer breathing atmosphere in all types of vehicles. The water laden Zeolite crystals will slowly evaporate the water to the vehicles atmosphere via heat the heat or air conditioning system creating a stable humidity index. Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) is the most commonly used CO2 sorbent.
Followed by the endothermic formation of lithium carbonate
Significantly, water Is required on both side of these reaction equations. For the net reaction
Two moles of water are liberated for each mole of CO2 chemisorbed.
The discovery of the adsorbant properties of activated carbon, ushered in an era of renewed interest in air/water quality control. Activated carbon is the trade name for highly porous products, made of carbonaceous raw materials, with a large internal surface of 400-1600m2/g and a large pore volume of more than 30cm3/100g. Above all, the large internal surface of more than 1000m2/g is significant. The total surface of 200 metric tons of activated carbon corresponds to the surface of the West Coast. Commercially, wood, peat, lignite, hard coal, oil products, charcoal and coconut shells serve as feedstock. Due to the mainly hydrophobic surface properties, activated carbon adsorbs preferably organic substances and other non-polar compounds form the gaseous and liquid phase. Activated carbon is used in a wide variety of filters for the control of Volatile Organic Carbons,(VOC's). Many of these filters are used in areas where exhaust fumes are prevalent, such as in airports and auto/bus garages. In the years 1900 to 1902 the Ostreijko patents were issued. These patents are the basis for the manufacture of activated carbon according to present-day definitions. Ostreijko discovered toe two basic principles of activated carbon production which are still valid today, namely: *Chemical activation and * Gas activation.
By chemical activation, predominantly powdered activated carbons are made. These qualities are often used for waste water treatment. Granular products and pellets for gas purification are predominantly made by gas activation.
Utilizing the granulated activated carbon from either coconut shells or wood in conjunction with lithium oxide and zeolite crystals, it is possible to create a filter media that will not only adsorb VOC's and other noxious gaseous from incomplete combustion, but create fresh oxygen as well. The purpose of using the grannuals instead of pellets of activated carbon is in the longevity of the filters. Automakers are not fond of parts that need to be replaced often, which would probably occur if the activated carbon and other elements were impregnated on a media. Usually media is used to eliminate the mess associated with handling grannular carbon, and to act as a dual filter for other particulate matter. Usually carbon pleated filters are impregnated with 150% carbon ad-on. They contain approximately 10.44grams of carbon per square foot of media area. Utilizing the finer granulates with out attaching it to a filter media enhances the amount of VOC's that can be adsorbed as well as increasing the life time of the individual filters for the life of the vehicle.