The Effect of Different SO2/SO3 Catalytic Media on High-Temperature Corrosion Processes (Hot Corrosion, Fireside Corrosion, Sulfidation–Oxidation)

Abstract

In many laboratory hot corrosion (HC) experiments and other experiments involving sulfur commercial catalytic converters are used to catalyze the $${\text{SO}}_{ 2} + { 1}/ 2 {\text{O}}_{ 2} \to {\text{SO}}_{ 3}$$ reaction. The conversion rate of SO2 to SO3 highly depends on the catalyst used and thus the HC results, especially in low-temperature HC conditions, may vary significantly depending on the catalyst selected. Different elements present in the catalyst affect the SO2 to SO3 conversion and with it the degree of HC induced attack. Modern automotive catalysts have low activity for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3. The conversion of SO2 to SO3 can be enhanced by modifications of the catalyst, e.g. by using a Pt-gauze or dip-coating the catalyst in a Fe2O3 solution.