Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Hydrogen Sulfide on Activated Carbons Impregnated with Sodium Hydroxide

Two activated carbons of different origin were impregnated with the solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of various concentrations up to 10 wt %, and the effect of impregnation on the catalytic performance of the carbons was evaluated. The catalytic activity was analyzed in terms of the capacity of carbons for hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) conversion and removal from hydrogen-rich fuel streams and the emission times of H 2 S and the products of its oxidation [e.g., sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and carbonyl sulfide (COS)]. The results of impregnation showed a significant improvement in the catalytic activity of both carbons proportional to the amount of NaOH introduced. NaOH introduces hydroxyl groups (OH − ) on the surface of the activated carbon that increase its surface reactivity and its interaction with sulfur-containing compounds.