Hydrotalcite-like Materials Research Articles

Synthesis, structural analysis and photocatalytic ability of novel Mg-Al-Ag and Mg-Al-Ag-Zn hydrotalcite-like compounds

To date, various hydrotalcite HT (Mg-Al) compounds are investigated to expand hydrotalcite-like material’s applications, especially for dye treatment purposes. From the characteristics of silver together with zinc oxide (ZnO) such as antibacterial along with photocatalytic behaviors, the combination of Ag-ZnO with hydrotalcite Mg-Al is necessitous. Consequently, this work aimed to synthesize and characterize hydrotalcite Mg-Al doped with Ag(I) (HT-Ag) as well as doped with Ag(I) and Zn (II) (HT-Ag-Zn) by the co-precipitation method. Both Ag(I) and Zn(II) were doped simultaneously on hydrotalcite Mg-Al for the first time. The characteristics of synthesized HT-Ag and HT-Ag-Zn were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) methods. The total surface area and pore size of the samples were evaluated due to BET surface area measurement. The obtained results indicated that regular Mg-Al-Ag and Mg-Al-Ag-Zn hydrotalcite-like compounds were synthesized successfully. Furthermore, the HT-doped materials implied the capacity to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli, and gram-positive bacteria such as S. aureus. Besides, these doped materials were applied to the photocatalysis of Remazol Midnight Black (RMB) dyes. The HT-Ag exhibited higher photocatalytic capacity than the HT-Ag-Zn. The optimization process for degrading RMB dye molecules was carried out using response surface methodology combined with a Box-Behnken design and a quadratic model. In addition, the catalytic repeatability of the HT-doped material was determined to give suggestions for the potential application of HT-Ag as a photocatalyst.

Mixed-Matrix Organo-Silica-Hydrotalcite Membrane for CO2 Separation Part 1: Synthesis and Analytical Description.

Hydrotalcite exhibits the capability to adsorb CO2 at elevated temperatures. High surface area and favorable coating properties are essential to harness its potential for practical applications. Stable alcohol-based dispersions are needed for thin film applications of mixed membranes containing hydrotalcite. Currently, producing such dispersions without the need for delamination and dispersing agents is a challenging task. This work introduces, for the first time, a manufacturing approach to overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above. It includes a synthesis of hydrotalcite nanoparticles, followed by agent-free delamination of their layers and final dispersion into alcohol without dispersing agents. Further, the hydrotalcite-derived sorption agent is dispersed in a matrix based on organo-silica gels derived from 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE). The analytical results indicate that the interconnection between hydrotalcite and BTESE-derived gel occurs via forming a strong hydrogen bonding system between the interlayer species (OH groups, CO32-) of hydrotalcite and oxygen and silanol active gel centers. These findings lay the foundation for applications involving incorporating hydrotalcite-like compounds into silica matrices, ultimately enabling the development of materials with exceptional mass transfer properties. In part 2 of this study, the gas separation performance of the organo-silica and the hydrotalcite-like materials and their combined form will be investigated.

Synthesis and characterization of Ketotifen Fumarate Intercalated Zn–Al Layered Double Hydroxides as sustained-release carriers

The present study seeks to synthesize, characterize, and sustain the release of properties of Ketotifen Fumarate Intercalated Zn–Al Layered Double Hydroxides (Zn-Al-KF-LDHs) by the chemical co-precipitation method. A variety of techniques were used to analyze the synthesized products, including Elemental Analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Thermogravimetry Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA). The XRD patterns successfully highlighted the remarkable crystallinity of the typical hydrotalcite-like materials, Zn-Al-KF-LDHs. While the FT-IR analysis indicates the chemical functional groups and interlayer anions of Zn-Al-KF-LDHs, the elemental analysis determines the content of Zn, Al, S, C, H, and N. The TG-DTA results show that Zn-Al-KF-LDHs possess improved thermal stability. These findings provide an empirical understanding of the supramolecular structure of Zn-Al-KF-LDHs, enabling its comprehensive structural analysis. Additionally, the sustained-release properties of simulated gastric juice and intestinal juice, which followed the theoretical models of Higuchi and Riger-Peppas, indicated that the layered double hydroxides have potential applications as sustained-release carriers for ketotifen fumarate.

Effects of hydrotalcites with different laminate element composition on the properties of sulfoaluminate cement-based materials

Sulfoaluminate cement-based materials (SCBMs) are widely used for grout reinforcement. It is common to use a large water-to-binder ratio in the construction of sulfoaluminate cement-based materials (SAGMs) to obtain good workability and permeability, which results in poor early strength. Nanotechnology has been increasingly employed to enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Nano Zn-Mg-Al hydrotalcite-like (LDHs) and nano Mg-Al LDHs increased the early compressive strength, while nano Zn-Al LDHs had the opposite effect. However, the reason for this observation remains unclear. In this study, the influence of LDHs structures with different laminar element compositions on the hydration and hardening processes of SCBMs was analysed. The results showed that nano-ZnAl-LDHs, ZnAl-LDHs, and MgAl-LDHs could provide nucleation sites for ettringites. The three hydrotalcite-like materials slowly released different concentrations of zinc and/or magnesium ions and carbonate ions in the cement paste. Zinc ions entered the hydration product of ettringite and aluminum gel and promoted the transformation of amorphous aluminum gel to bayerite, which inhibited the hydration reaction of SCBMs. Magnesium ions could also enter the ettringite, and carbonate ions promoted the formation of calcium carbonate, which facilitated the hydration reaction of SCBMs. The nucleation effect and the release of zinc and/or magnesium ions and carbonate ions acted synergically to influence the hydration rate, pore size distribution, and compressive strength of SCBMs.

Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Photocatalysts for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: Progress in Past Ten Years

Currently, public health is seriously threatened by the massive concentrations of emerging contaminants. Treating emerging contaminants in water using effective methods has become a major challenge worldwide. Photocatalytic technology, as an eco-friendly technology, has been recognized as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Among the various photocatalysts, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), known as hydrotalcite-like materials, have been explored extensively in photocatalytic reactions due to their switchable properties and the large surface areas of their unique two-dimensional structures. In this article, recent advances in the photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants by LDH-based photocatalysts are reviewed. Firstly, the fundamental principles of the photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants using LDH-based materials are briefly introduced. Various LDHs applied in the photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants are broadly summarized into four types: pure-phase LDHs, interlayer-modified LDHs, LDH-based composites, and layered double oxides (LDOs). Moreover, the synthesis process and catalytic mechanism of LDH-based photocatalysts are also reviewed. An outlook on the problems and future development of LDH-based photocatalysts in water remediation is provided at the end.

Capacitors and catalyst supports based on pyrolytic carbon deposited on metals/metal oxides derived from hydrotalcite-like materials

Capacitors and catalyst supports based on pyrolytic carbon deposited on metals/metal oxides derived from hydrotalcite-like materials

Influence of adding manganese chromium-layered double oxide on the optical, magnetic and dielectric properties of cobalt spinel ferrite nanoparticles

Hydrotalcite-like materials such as layered double oxides (LDOs) are promising materials for many technological applications. Linking the multilayer structure of LDOs with the exceptional optical, magnetic, and dielectric properties of spinel ferrites could result in advanced nanocomposites for photovoltaic, magneto-recording, and high-frequency applications. For that purpose, nanocomposites of type manganese chromium-layered double oxide/cobalt spinel ferrite, (MnCr)-LDOx/CoFe2O4 (x = 1, 3, and 5 wt%), were produced by the co-precipitation route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the successful incorporation of MnCr-LDO in CoFe2O4 lattice. After a 5 wt% addition of MnCr-LDO, the lattice parameter of pure CoFe2O4 increased from 8.3832 Å to 8.4136 Å, the crystallite size increased from 18.7 nm to 21.7 nm, and the strain dropped from 2.15 to 2.04. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed cubic morphologies for (MnCr)-LDOx/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites. Two strong absorbance peaks appeared in the Ultraviolet- visible (UV-vis) spectra (at ∼270 and ∼370 cm−1). The energy band gap and Urbach energy were estimated for the prepared samples. The composite sample (MnCr)-LDO1 wt%/CoFe2O4 recorded the highest band gap values (Eg1 = 3.39 eV, Eg2 = 4.46 eV, and Eg3 = 5.89 eV), while the (MnCr)-LDO3 wt%/CoFe2O4 sample had a relatively high Urbach energy value (1.35 eV). Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis showed room temperature ferromagnetic (RTFM) behavior for the prepared composites. The saturation magnetization (Ms) value declined as the MnCr-LDO addition to CoFe2O4 increased, and the (MnCr)-LDO3 wt%/CoFe2O4 sample acquired the highest Ms (64.428 emu g−1) among all the produced composites. Pure CoFe2O4 had a much higher coercivity (Hc = 1158.1 Oe) than (MnCr)-LDOx/CoFe2O4 (x = 1, 3, and 5 wt%) nanocomposites (Hc = 1119.8, 978.48, and 984.16 Oe). Moreover, complex impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed in frequency range of 50 Hz- 5 MHz using Nyquist plots and electric modulus analysis. Nyquist plots were fitted to an analogous electric circuit consisting of a resistor R1 connected in series to two parallel constant phase element- resistor circuits (CPE-R). On the other hand, a different circuit comprises of two CPE, capacitor (C1), and resistor all connected in parallel was used to model CoFe2O4.

Environmentally benign synthesis of hydrotalcite-like materials for enhanced efficiency of aldol condensation reactions

MgAl hydrotalcites (HTCs) are promising catalysts for biomass valorization applications. However, their production suffers from excessive wastewater generation while their application is limited by insufficient accessibility of active sites. Here, we change the paradigm of hydrotalcite synthesis by replacing the traditional co-precipitation by MgO impregnation with aluminum isopropoxide followed by calcination and (re)hydration. This synthesis affords surface HTC phase ensuring excellent accessibility to Brønsted basic sites. HTC supported on MgO surface (bulk Mg/Al = 20) exhibited same conversion and selectivity in aldol condensation of furfural with acetone as conventional HTC (Mg/Al = 3). Besides maximized efficiency of aluminum use to generate accessible Brønsted basic sites, the catalyst was stable in several consecutive catalytic experiments, if optimal rehydration conditions were applied. Moreover, the use of large quantities of water required for the co-precipitation-based method was avoided. This makes the new method superior also from green synthesis and sustainability point of view.

Effect of H2S on biogas sorption enhanced steam reforming using a Pd/Ni-Co catalyst and dolomite as a sorbent

To achieve net zero carbon emissions from energy systems, biogas has become an attractive renewable resource for hydrogen production. The sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) process is proposed to produce high-purity hydrogen from biogas, enabled by combining the catalytic reforming reaction with the simultaneous CO2 removal by sorption in a single reactor. One of the most critical challenges in using biogas in conventional reforming processes is the presence of H2S since it may deactivate the reforming catalyst. Here we experimentally study the effect of the biogas H2S concentration on the H2 production by SESR, i.e., accounting for the presence of a CaO-based solid sorbent. This work was performed in a fixed-bed reactor using a Pd/Ni-Co hydrotalcite-like material (HT) catalyst and dolomite as CO2 sorbent. Biogas (60CH4/40CO2 vol.%) with different concentrations of H2S (150, 350, 500 and 1000 ppm) was evaluated. The catalyst did not deactivate for biogas H2S concentrations of 150 and 350 ppm during five cycles of the SESR process. However, a slight decrease in the catalyst activity was detected under higher sulfur concentrations after the third SESR cycle. Sulfur was detected in the spent catalyst and sorbent materials, with a higher proportion in the sorbent for the highest H2S concentration tested (1000 ppm). H2 yield decreased by 10.8% and 4.5% points for biogas H2S concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm after five cycles, respectively, while H2 purity decreased by only 3 vol.% and 2 vol.% points, respectively.

UV- and visible-light photocatalysis using Ni–Co bimetallic and monometallic hydrotalcite-like materials for enhanced CO2 methanation in sabatier reaction

The CO2 catalytic reduction activities of four different Co-modified Ni-based catalysts derived from hydrotalcite-like materials (HTCs) prepared by co-precipitation method were investigated under thermal and photocatalytic conditions. All catalysts were tested from 473 to 723 K at 10 bar (abs). The light intensity for photocatalytic reactions was 2.4 W cm-2. The samples were characterized to determine the effect of morphological and physicochemical properties of mono-bimetallic active phases on their methanation activity. The activity toward CO2 methanation followed the next order: Ni > Co–Ni > Co. For the monometallic Ni catalyst an increase of a 72% was achieved in the photo-catalytic activity under UV and vis light irradiation at temperatures lower by > 100 K than those in a conventional reaction. Co-modified Ni based hydrotalcite catalysts performed with stability and no deactivation for the 16 h studied under visible light for methanation at 523 K due to the presence of basic sites.

Hydrotalcites, a rapid survey on the very recent synthesis and applications procedures

In this review we intend to show how hydrotalcite-like materials find a large number of applications; among others, in the chemical industry as an additive during polymer production, in the treatment of different kinds of waste, as a regenerative solid sorbent for capturing CO2 in coal fired power plants and also in pharmaceutical industries. The market for hydrotalcite will primarily be driven by growing demand from the chemical and pharmaceutical Industries in the near future So, the study of the synthesis procedures in order to find a fitted method useful to obtain the desired solid with the required properties will continue to be interesting for research projects and publications.

Removal of F− from water by magnetic floriform magnesium zirconium hydrotalcite-like material doped with Fe2O3 and ZrO2

It is urgent to synthesize a kind of fluoride adsorbent with excellent fluorine removal performance in the field of treating fluorine-containing water. In this study, a magnetic floriform magnesium zirconium hydrotalcite-like material doped with Fe2O3 and ZrO2 was synthesized by urea hydrothermal method. Fe2O3 and ZrO2 particles and hexagonal laminae of hydrotalcite in the adsorption materials are uniformly stacked with each other. This structure allows the adsorbent to possess a large specific surface area (48.76 m2·g−1). The results of adsorption experiments indicate that the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for fluoride can reach 113.38 mg·g−1. In addition, the adsorbent can be applied in a wide pH range (3–10) and has strong resistance to the effect of coexisting anions. After 5 cycles of adsorption, the fluorine removal performance of the adsorbent still maintained 80.93 % of the fresh adsorbent. Finally, DFT calculation of fluoride adsorption on the adsorbent was also carried out, and combined with the results of characterization and adsorption experiments, it is found that electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bond interaction, ion exchange and chemical adsorption are the main mechanisms of adsorption. Therefore, the material may be a potential fluoride adsorbent with good application prospect due to its various excellent properties.

30 Years of Vicente Rives’ Contribution to Hydrotalcites, Synthesis, Characterization, Applications, and Innovation

Hydrotalcite is the name of a mineral discovered in Sweden in 1842 whose formula is Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O and presents a layered crystal structure that consists of positively charged hydroxide layers neutralized by interlayer anions as carbonate, also containing water molecules. The ease of their synthesis and the possibility of incorporating other layer cations and interlayer anions have made this type of layered double hydroxides (LDH) a group of very interesting materials for industry. In addition to LDH and due to the name of the most representative mineral, this group of compounds is commonly called hydrotalcite-like materials, or simply hydrotalcites. Another way of referring to them is as anionic clays because of their layered structure but, unlike classical clays, their layers are positive and their interlayers are anionic. The main fields of application of these solids comprise catalysis, catalyst support, anion scavengers, polymer stabilizers, drug carriers, or adsorbents. This paper briefly summarizes some of the work carried out by Professor Rives over more than thirty years, focused, among other topics, on the study of the synthesis, characterization, and applications of hydrotalcites. This research has led him to train many researchers, to collaborate with research groups around the world and to publish reference papers and books in this field. This contribution, written to be included in the Special Issue “A Themed Issue in Honor of Prof. Dr. Vicente Rives”, edited on the occasion of his retirement, only shows a small part of his scientific research and intends to value and recognize his cleverness and his enormous scientific and human quality.

A Comparative Mini-Review on Transition Metal Oxides Applied for the Selective Catalytic Ammonia Oxidation (NH3-SCO).

The selective catalytic oxidation of NH3 (NH3-SCO) into N2 and H2O is an efficient technology for NH3 abatement in diesel vehicles. However, the catalysts dedicated to NH3-SCO are still under development. One of the groups of such catalysts constituted transition metal-based catalysts, including hydrotalcite-derived mixed metal oxides. This class of materials is characterized by tailored composition, homogenously dispersed mixed metal oxides, exhibiting high specific surface area and thermal stability. Thus, firstly, we give a short introduction to the structure and composition of hydrotalcite-like materials and their applications in NH3-SCO. Secondly, an overview of other transition metal-based catalysts reported in the literature is given, following a comparison of both groups. The challenges in NH3-SCO applications are provided, while the reaction mechanisms are discussed for particular systems.

Electronic Effects of Support Doping on Hydrotalcite-Supported Iridium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes

The electronic effects of supports on immobilized organometallic complexes impact their activity and lifetime, yet remain poorly understood. Here we describe a systematic study of the support effects experienced by an organometallic complex immobilized on doped hydrotalcite-like materials. To that end, we describe the synthesis and characterization of the first organometallic species immobilized on a palette of doped hydrotalcites via sulfonate linkers. The organometallic species consists of iridium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) carbonyl complex ([Na][Ir-(NHC-Ph-SO3)2(CO)2]), a highly active molecular catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of glycerol. The hydrotalcite supports are composed of Al, Mg, and a compatible transition-metal dopant (Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn). The materials were characterized extensively by STEM, XPS, TGA, PXRD, FT-IR, N2 desorption, ICP-AES, TPD, and microcalorimetry to probe the morphology and electronic properties of the support and elucidate structure–property relationships.

Blends of bio-oil/biogas model compounds for high-purity H2 production by sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR): Experimental study and energy analysis

• SESR of bio-oil/biogas blends leads to renewable high-purity H 2 production. • H 2 yield of 87.1% is experimentally obtained at 625 °C and 2.5 bar. • H 2 purity of 98.6 vol% is achieved at 625 °C and 2.5 bar. • Higher temperature and steam/C molar ratio, but lower pressure, favor H 2 production. • Biogas addition increases the energy efficiency of the bio-oil SESR process by 1.34%. H 2 production by sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) of bio-oil/biogas blends was demonstrated in a fluidized bed reactor. It combines steam reforming (SR) with simultaneous CO 2 capture by a solid sorbent. SESR was performed on a Pd/Ni-Co catalyst derived from a hydrotalcite-like material (HT) using dolomite as CO 2 sorbent. Bio-oil from fast pyrolysis of biomass is a carbon–neutral and renewable energy source with great potential for clean H 2 production by steam reforming processes. Biogas is also a promising renewable bio-based resource for hydrogen generation that can be used to increase the H 2 production of a biomass-based plant. In turn, it could improve the energy efficiency of the process due to the exothermic reaction of the CO 2 contained in biogas with the sorbent. Bio-oil composed of acetic acid and acetone (1/1 mol/mol) and biogas composed of CH 4 and CO 2 (60/40 vol%) were used as fuels. They were blended (50 wt% bio-oil + 50 wt% CH 4 ) to study the SESR process. Effects of temperature, steam/C molar ratio, and pressure on the process performance were evaluated. SESR results showed an effective reforming of bio-oil/biogas blends and an enhancement in the H 2 production and fuel conversion compared to conventional SR. Higher temperature and steam/C ratio, but lower pressure, favored H 2 yield and purity. High H 2 yield (87.1%) and H 2 purity (98.6 vol%) were obtained at 625 °C and 2.5 bar (steam/C molar ratio three times higher than the stoichiometric value). The thermodynamic energy analysis of the SESR of bio-oil/biogas blends rendered 1.34% higher cold gas efficiency (CGE) than bio-oil SESR.

Synthesis of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Hydrotalcite-Like Materials Intercalated with Duplex Herbicides: The Characterization and Simultaneous Release Properties.

In this study, a controlled-release formulation of duplex herbicides, namely, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxybutyric acid (TBA) and 3,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (3,4D), was simultaneously embedded into Zn-Al-layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The resulting nanohybrid Zinc-Aluminium-3,4D-TBA (ZADTX) was composed of a well-ordered crystalline layered structure with increasing basal spacing from 8.9 Å to 20.0 Å in the Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) with 3,4D and TBA anions located in the gallery of LDHs with bilayer arrangement. The release of 3,4D and TBA fit the pseudo-second-order model. This duplex nanohybrid possessed a well-controlled release property (53.4% release from TBA and 27.8% release from 3,4D), which was highly effective, requiring the use of a small quantity and, hence, environmentally safer.

Ibuprofen Release from Hydrotalcite-like Materials Filled into Chitosan/Alginate Composites as Promising Reabsorbable Membranes

Hydrotalcite-type materials, or layered double hydroxide (LDH), are very promising in applying slow-release drug systems through ion exchange and delamination characteristics at acidic pH. In this paper, Zn/Al LDHs in 2:1 and 3:1 molar ratios intercalated with the drug ibuprofen (IBU) were added to chitosan/alginate membranes. In the release tests, an increase in the solubility of the drug in the membranes could be observed, and the percentage of drug release is lower than the percentage of drug release in the free samples. The following release percentages were obtained: 15.48% and 17.5% of the drug in water, and 23.22% and 26.25% of the drug in PBS buffer solution, respectively, for membrane samples containing Zn2Al-IBU and Zn3Al-IBU LDHs. Thus, the synthesized hybrid membranes (chitosan/alginate-LDH-IBU) are promising in the application as resorbable membranes for bone grafting with drug release.

Renewable hydrogen production from biogas by sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR): A parametric study

H2 production from biogas (60%CH4 + 40%CO2) by sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) was thermodynamically and experimentally studied in a fluidized bed reactor. Biogas is an interesting renewable biomass resource for hydrogen production due to its sustainable nature. SESR combines the catalytic reforming reaction of biogas with simultaneous CO2 removal in a single step. A Pd/Ni–Co hydrotalcite-like material (HT) was used as catalyst and dolomite as CO2 sorbent. The effects of temperature (550–800 °C), steam/CH4 molar ratio (2–6) and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) (492–3937 mL CH4 gcat−1 h−1) on the process performance were evaluated. CO2 in biogas was effectively removed by the sorbent from the gas phase at 550–700 °C, without influencing the reforming process. H2 yield increased with temperature from 550 to 650 °C, but H2 concentration decreased at temperatures higher than 600 °C, requiring a tradeoff between both parameters to select an optimum operating temperature. H2 purity of 98.4 vol% was obtained at 550–600 °C and H2 yield of 92.7% was reached at 650 °C. Higher steam/CH4 ratios enhance the process, whereas higher space velocities decrease H2 yield. Results demonstrate that high-purity high-yield biohydrogen can be produced by the SESR of a renewable biomass resource as biogas.

Production of high-purity hydrogen from paper recycling black liquor via sorption enhanced steam reforming

Environmentally friendly and energy saving treatment of black liquor (BL), a massively produced waste in Kraft papermaking process, still remains a big challenge. Here, by adopting a NiCaOCa12Al14O33 bifunctional catalyst derived from hydrotalcite-like materials, we demonstrate the feasibility of producing high-purity H2 (∼96%) with 0.9 mol H2 mol−1 C yield via the sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) of BL. The SESRBL performance in terms of H2 production maintained stable for 5 cycles, but declined from the 6th cycle. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis and energy dispersive techniques were employed to rationalize the deactivation of the catalyst. It was revealed that gradual sintering and agglomeration of Ni and CaO and associated coking played important roles in catalyst deactivation and performance degradation of SESRBL, while deposition of Na and K from the BL might also be responsible for the declined performance. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that the SESRBL process could effectively reduce the emission of sulfur species by storing it as CaSO3. Our results highlight a promising alternative for BL treatment and H2 production, thereby being beneficial for pollution control and environment governance in the context of mitigation of climate change.