Low temperature hydrogen production from H2S with metal tin by cyclic two-step method

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is not only a highly toxic and corrosive gas commonly present in the natural gas reservoir, but also valuable resource rich in hydrogen and sulfur. The Claus process is commonly used in industry to handle H2S, but it has the disadvantages of generation of SO2 and waste of hydrogen resources. Alternatively, cyclic two-step decomposition of H2S can generate H2 at low temperatures, which has been testified recently. Herein we report a method of splitting H2S into H2 and S with Sn metal in two steps at a low temperature for the first time. The experimental results demonstrate that the maximum yield of H2 can reach 33% at temperatures as low as 300 °C, and the metal Sn could be regenerated at elevated temperature. This research presents a novel approach for the decomposition of H2S to produce H2 and sulfur under relatively mild conditions, thereby opening up further opportunities for future studies on the value-added utilization of H2S.