화학공학소재연구정보센터
Energy & Fuels, Vol.23, 4420-4425, 2009
Recovery of Hydrogen and Sulfur by Indirect Electrolysis of Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) absorption and conversion to hydrogen and sulfur were carried out in an acidic aqueous vanadium dioxide (VO2)(+) solution coupled with indirect electrolysis. In this paper, the mechanisms of absorption and electrochemical reactions of the process are discussed. Parametric studies were conducted to determine the effects of operating parameters on absorption and electrochemical reactions. The results showed that the H2S absorption increased with temperature; greater than 90% of H2S absorption occurred at 50 degrees C. The absorption reaction was mass-transfer-limiting. In the electrolysis reaction, the current efficiency reached 97% at 45 degrees C after an extended electrolysis time. The optimal reaction conditions were at a proton concentration of 7 mol/kg of H2O in the electrolyte, and (VO2)(+) concentration of higher than 0.55 mol/kg of H2O in the absorbent. Sulfur particlos that are produced can be easily recovered. Some aspects related to design optimization of the absorption process and electrochemical reactor are also discussed.