Gas Permeation of Sulfur Thin-Films and Potential as a Barrier Material.

Xicheng Jia,Thomas D Bennett,Matthew G Cowan

doi:10.3390/membranes9060072

Abstract

Elemental sulfur was formed into poly(ether sulfone)-supported thin-films (ca. 10 µm) via a melt-casting process. Observed permeabilities of C2H4, CO2, H2, He, and N2 through the sulphur thin-films were <1 barrer. The sulfur thin-films were observed to age over a period of ca. 15 days, related to the reversion of polymerized sulfur to the S8 allotrope. This structural conversion was observed to correlate with an increase in the permeability of all gases.

Highlights

Elemental sulfur is produced as a by-product of petroleum refining and gas reserves using the hydrodesulfurization process [1]
The majority of this sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid [4,5], phosphate fertilizers [5,6], batteries [7], and in the vulcanization of natural and synthetic rubbers [8]
Were measured to characterize the thermal characterize the thermal properties of the sulfur used in this study (Figure 2) and ensure behavior properties of the sulfur used in this study (Figure 2) and ensure behavior conformed to that previously reported conformed to that previously reported [9,10]

Summary

Introduction

Elemental sulfur is produced as a by-product of petroleum refining and gas reserves using the hydrodesulfurization process [1]. Sulfur production is estimated at over 70 million tons each year [2], with over half the global supply produced in China, USA, Russia, Canada, and Saudi Arabia [3]. The majority of this sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid (more sulfuric acid is produced in the USA than any other chemical) [4,5], phosphate fertilizers [5,6], batteries [7], and in the vulcanization of natural and synthetic rubbers [8]. A variety of cyclic and polymeric allotropes exist [9,10].

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Conclusion