Catalytic reduction of SO{sub 2} with methane over molybdenum catalyst. Quarterly report, 1 December 1994--28 February 1995

Abstract

One of the primary concerns in coal utilization is the emission of sulfur compounds, especially SO{sub 2}. This project deals with catalytic reduction of SO{sub 2} with methane using molybdenum sulfide catalyst supported on different activated carbons: Darco TRS, Norit ROZ-3, and an activated carbon prepared from Illinois coal IBC-110. The work conducted during this quarter has concentrated on continuation of the synthesis of activated carbon derived from Illinois coal IBC-110, modification and improvement of the apparatus for the catalyst testing, ESCA (XPS) analysis of the catalyst (10% MoS{sub 2} on Darco TRS activated carbon), and experiments in the temperature range of 450{degree}C--600{degree}C for the S0{sub 2}:CH{sub 4} ratio equal 1:1. XPS study confirmed that Mo is present in the form of Mo+4 and S in the form of S-2. The catalytic experiments of SO{sub 2} reduction with CH{sub 4} showed that for both Darco TRS and ROZ-3 supports, S0{sub 2} conversion increases with the temperature. Also, the catalyst having 20% loading of MoS{sub 2} on Darco TRS support shows the highest S0{sub 2} conversion over 10% or 15% loadings on Darco TRS. In contrast, for the ROZ-3 support, the catalyst having a 15% loading shows the highest activity. Additionally, it was observed that conversions of S0{sub 2} at 600{degree}C for both supports are comparable to each other when catalysts with 20% loadings are used; at lower temperatures, the activities are quite different with the conversions being higher for Darco TRS support.