SO2 capture and detection with carbon microfibers (CMFs) synthesised from polyacrylonitrile.

SO2 emissions not only affect local air quality but can also contribute to other environmental issues. Developing low-cost and robust adsorbents with high uptake and selectivity is needed to reduce SO2 emissions. Here, we show the SO2 adsorption-desorption capacity of carbon microfibers (CMFs) at 298 K. CMFs showed a reversible SO2 uptake capacity (5 mmol g-1), cyclability over ten adsorption cycles with fast kinetics and good selectivity towards SO2/CO2 at low-pressure values. Additionally, CMFs' photoluminescence response to SO2 and CO2 was evaluated.