Activated carbon could lead to odorless diapers

While activated carbon is used in kitchen fans to eliminate food odors, a new dissertation from the University of Gothenburg shows that activated carbon could also eliminate the smell of urine from diapers. Experiments with the odor molecule p-cresol show that activated carbon, which largely consists of the carbon variant graphene, can lock in odor instead of it being released to the surroundings.

Modern diapers can absorb and lock in a lot of liquid, meaning they do not have to be changed as often as in the past. But odor is still a problem. In a dissertation by Isabelle Simonsson at the University of Gothenburg, she looked at a specific odor molecule and discovered that in the right setting, it can choose to remain in the liquid and not cause foul odor.

"The odor molecule is called p-cresol and is an organic, volatile hydrocarbon. It's what causes the strong odor associated with pig farming and horse stables. p-Cresol is also found in human urine and is hydrophobic, which means it avoids water. That's one of the reasons why it is released from urine into the surrounding air, in other words, that the odor spreads," says Isabelle Simonsson.

Electrically charged surfaces can adsorb odor

Manufacturers of diapers and other hygiene products have long known that an electrically charged surface can adsorb odor. There is even an old patent covering this, but a great deal has involved conducting tests on different materials and seeing what works. The tests have not resulted in a solution.

The main goal of the dissertation is to investigate what material properties are important for adsorbing odor molecules in urine. One of the materials used was activated carbon, which is found in almost every kitchen fan these days to neutralize odor; it is also an inexpensive and environmentally friendly material.

Tests with carbon materials that had been manipulated in various ways showed that carbon with the least charge was most effective at attracting p-cresol molecules from the liquid, resulting in less odor. Activated carbon, consisting mainly of the carbon variant graphene, was best at capturing the odor molecule.

"Our findings show a direct 'ion-specific effect' on the material's properties and adsorption capability in synthetic urine. Activated carbon has a large surface area, which is good at adsorbing odor molecules," says Simonsson

Salts in urine enhance the effect

The same effect was not achieved in tests in which p-cresol was dissolved in water, which is due to the salts in urine. The salt ions, including sodium, reduce the water solubility of organic molecules, which then bind to the activated carbon instead.

The dissertation primarily involved fundamental research, but its findings may be useful in many industrial processes, including for the mining industry, water and sewage treatment, the development of new hygiene products, pharmaceuticals and construction materials.

"These results are promising, but there are obstacles to developing an odorless diaper. Like color. Can you sell a diaper that's black?"