Feasibility application of Cu-contaminated soil on the removal of H2S from hot coal gas

Abstract

In this study Cu-contaminated soils were chosen as a candidate material for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from hot coal gas. Experimental results showed that the H2S was significantly reduced below 10 ppm when the Cu-contaminated soils were reacted with H2S. The optimal removal temperature of H2S was found to be at 923K in the operating conditions. In addition to Cu species, free Fe oxides in the contaminated soils also performed an active species to react with H2S and enhanced the overall sulfur capacity. Through the XPS analysis, Fe sulfide (FeS) and Cu sulfide (Cu2S) were the major products after removal experiments. Regeneration experimental results also indicated that the Cu-contaminated soils can be regenerated by pass air and thus be reused for many times.