Virtual sorbent bed systems and methods for receiving contaminants from a waste stream are presented. In an embodiment, the virtual sorbent... Show moreVirtual sorbent bed systems and methods for receiving contaminants from a waste stream are presented. In an embodiment, the virtual sorbent bed system comprises an outlet for introducing into the gas stream a material capable of receiving contaminants, a first charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream; a second charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the first DC charged electrode and the second charged DC electrode cooperatively generate a first electric field that imparts a drift velocity to the material; and a plurality of charged AC electrodes oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the charged AC electrodes generates a second electric field that imparts additional three-dimensional motion to the material. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less