An improved electrochemical membrane was tested with simulated coal gas having concentrations from 25 to 4,500 ppm H2S. The process produces elemental hydrogen that enriches the process gas stream at the cathode and elemental sulfur vapor that emerges from the anode. Removal efficiencies aver-age up to 90% at arty inlet level; current efficiencies are near 100% at the high inlet concentrations, decreasing significantly at lower H2S levels as the competing reduction of H2O becomes more far;ol ed. Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC),I materials can be used exclusively at the MCFC operating temperature of 650 degrees C, with the low concentrations of H2S, including the NiO cathode. Ar concentrations higher than about 60 ppm the operating temperature must be lowered approximately 50 degrees C to avoid melting of the sulfided nickel cathode.