Catalytic oxidation/photocatalytic degradation of ethyl mercaptan on α-MnO2@H4Nb6O17-NS nanocomposite

Abstract

Ethyl mercaptan, which is prevalent in biogas and natural gas, must be removed to a lower level because of its toxic, odorous and corrosive characteristics. Herein, a novel α-MnO2@H4Nb6O17-NS nanocomposite was fabricated by co-precipitation process for the removal of ethyl mercaptan. The compositions, structures, morphologies and properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized in detail by a combination of power X-ray diffraction, laser Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental mapping, UV–visible absorption spectrum and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. The H4Nb6O17 nanoscroll was modified by α-MnO2 nanoparticles clearly enhanced the catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic degradation activity for ethyl mercaptan under visible light. The α-MnO2 phase provides the main active sites and the ethyl mercaptan was decomposed into diethyl sulfides and ethyl sulfonates. Finally, a possible mechanism for the removal of ethyl mercaptan was proposed.