The Role of Various Adsorbents in Improving the Efficiency of Air Purification Processes

Adsorbents, as one of the most effective methods for removing pollutants from air, have garnered considerable attention in various industrial and environmental fields. This study reviews and compares various types of adsorbents employed in air pollution control, including activated carbon, modified clays, porous mineral materials, and photocatalytic foams. These adsorbents are capable of removing various pollutants, including toxic gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia from the environment. Reported studies indicate that the adsorption efficiency of modified activated carbon can increase by up to 45–60% compared with unmodified forms, while photocatalytic hybrid systems such as TiO2/β-SiC foams have achieved over 90% degradation of VOCs and complete microbial inactivation under optimized conditions. Moreover, innovative technologies, including magnetic fluidized beds and composite adsorbents, have enhanced removal efficiency by 30–40% and reduced operational costs by approximately 25% in large-scale air purification processes. Furthermore, the use of novel techniques such as magnetic fluidized beds and composite adsorbents for simultaneous removal of pollutants has improved the performance and reduced the costs of air purification processes. These advancements underline the potential of adsorbent-based systems to significantly improve air quality and sustainability in both urban and industrial environments.