Investigation on the adsorption of nitrosamines in zeolites

The function of zeolites as the capturer of nitrosamines is depicted in this paper. N -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N -nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) can be selectively adsorbed by zeolite NaY or NaZSM-5 in solution or gaseous phase. The adsorption capacity of zeolite is discussed in terms of adsorbate-adsorbent interaction, involving their pore structure and electrostatic attraction along with the impact of adsorption temperature. In addition, one of the tobacco specific nitrosamines, N′ -nitrosonornicotine (NNN), is also employed as a probe to explore how the bulky nitrosamines are adsorbed by zeolites. The especial function of adsorption enables zeolites to be utilized for removal of nitrosamines in environment.