Removal of hydrogen sulfide by catalytic oxidation over activated carbon: influence of operating parameters on efficiency of a bench-scale tubular reactor

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the removal of hydrogen sulfide by catalytic oxidation over activated carbon. The chapter also reviews the influence of operating parameters on efficiency of a bench-scale tubular reactor. Hydrogen sulfide is a responsible compound of a great number of malodor generating sources, its removal relies either on the destruction of the molecule or on its transfer towards a liquid or solid phase. Activated carbon is largely used in deodorizing processes because of its high adsorption capacity. The chapter discusses that the removal of hydrogen sulfide by activated carbon consisted in a catalytic oxidation of the latter with atmospheric oxygen, the principal reaction product being elemental sulfur, with small quantities of sulfates. Activated carbon showed high activity at room temperature, but elemental sulfur deposits brought about a very quick catalyst deactivation. The sulfur formation is most likely a result of direct oxidation of hydrogen sulfide, but the sulfates are formed by a parallel reaction via probably an intermedium. Also, a first-order kinetic related to hydrogen sulfide is found.