The adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was carried out using an activated carbon fiber
(ACF) filter in an automobile. The adsorption capacities of formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene on an
ACF filter were far better than those of a polypropylene (PP) mat filter and combined (PP+activated
carbon) mat filter by batch adsorption in a gas bag. In a continuous flow of air containing toluene vapor
through an ACF packed bed, the breakpoint time was very long, the length of the unused bed was
short, and sharp “S” -type breakthrough curve was plotted soon after breakpoint, showing a narrow
mass transfer zone of toluene on the ACF. The adsorption amount of toluene on the ACF filter was
proportional to the specific surface area of the ACF; however, the development of mesopores 2-5 nm
in size on the ACF was very effective with regard to the adsorption of toluene. The ACF air clarifier
filter is strongly recommended to remove VOCs in newly produced automobiles.