In this study, a novel adsorbent (PMo12@RH-MCM-41) was synthesized through impregnation method using waste rice husk and phosphomolybdic acid (PMo12) as the silica source and active center, respectively. The regular fibrous-like structure of RH-MCM-41 with hierarchical pores provides a high percentage of exposed PMo12 sites, enhancing the desulfurization activity of PMo12. PMo12@RH-MCM-41 exhibited excellent desulfurization ability in comparison with PMo12 and RH-MCM-41, demonstrating the synergistic effect between PMo12 and RH-MCM-41. The efficient transformation of H2S to elemental S with a yield of 61.3 % was achieved at room temperature. The PMo12@RH-MCM-41 regenerated by hot air purging can maintain the stable desulfurization ability for more than 8 cycles. The mechanism analysis demonstrated the redox ability of PMo12 in the heterogeneous desulfurization system. This work provides important insights for the application of polyoxometalates in solid-phase desulfurization, and broadens high-value utilization patterns of agricultural waste biomass.
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