Effects of Mo2C loading and H2S concentration on Mo2C/Al2O3 catalyst applied in sulfur‐resistant methanation

Abstract

Mo2C/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by the impregnation method with urotropine and ammonium paramolybdate. The catalytic effect of Mo2C as a typical transition‐metal carbide in sulfur‐resistant methanation was studied. The catalysts prepared were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction, and Raman spectra, with the results confirming the formation of β‐molybdenum carbide on the surface of the catalysts. Studies on catalysts with different loading doses indicate that the optimal loading of Mo2C/Al2O3 is about 15 wt.%, which enables CO conversion rate of up to 47%, with methane selectivity of up to 53%. This work further explored the effect of different concentrations of H2S in the raw gas on the performance of the catalyst, with the results showing that high concentration of H2S (>1500 ppm) can lead to sulfuration of active species on the catalyst, while resulting in a decrease in the catalytic activity.