Sulfate of potash and yellow phosphorus to simultaneously remove SO2–NO and obtain a complete fertilizer

Abstract

Flue gas includes SOX and NOX, and is considered to be a global issue due to its severe environmental problems. Hence, scientists have recently searched for new and efficient abatement techniques. The present study aims to simultaneously remove SOX and NOX, and obtain a complete N–P–K fertilizer by applying white/yellow phosphorus (P4) and sulfate of potash (SOP). We comprehensively investigated the most efficient parameters, which were determined to be a P4 weight of 0.5 g, stirring intensity of 1778 rpm, and temperature of 55 °C. We also compared the removal efficiency with the most efficient and recently identified absorbers. Moreover, we studied the simultaneous removal efficiency, with a deeper investigation of removing NOX only. The emulsion content was investigated using inductively-coupled plasma optical-emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES), an elemental analyzer, and ion chromatography (IC). The SOP content was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the emulsion contained all of the elements required for a complete fertilizer. Finally, the process reaction mechanism, including the intermediate elements, was thoroughly identified. Considering the wide occurrence of SOX and NOX and the need for abatement, our simple, practical, energy-saving process provides a possible means for deriving useful byproducts as oppose to discarding them.