Catalytic reduction of sulfuric acid to sulfur dioxide

The reduction of H2SO4 to SO2 occurs with a relatively good efficiency only at high temperatures, in the presence of catalysts. Some experimental results, regarding conversion of sulfuric acid (96 wt.%) to sulfur dioxide and oxygen, are reported. The reduction has been performed at 800 - 900A degrees C and atmospheric pressure, in a tubular quartz reactor. The following commercial catalysts were tested: Pd/Al2O3 (5 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% Pd), Pt/Al2O3 (0.1 wt.% Pt) and alpha-Fe2O3. The fresh and spent catalysts were characterized by X-Ray diffraction and BET method. The highest catalytic activity was determined for 5 wt.% Pd/Al2O3, a conversion of 80% being obtained for 5 hours time on stream, at 9 mL h(-1) flow rate of 96 wt.% H2SO4. A conversion of 64% was determined for 0.5 wt.% Pd/Al2O3 and 0.1 wt.% Pt/Al2O3. For alpha-Fe2O3, a less expensive catalyst, a conversion of 61% for about 60 hours was obtained.