Low-temperature H2S removal from steam-containing gas mixtures with ZnO for fuel cell application.: 1.: ZnO particles and extrudates

Sulfur removal is important for a fuel cell that uses a hydrocarbon fuel, such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and gasoline, to prevent the downstream sulfur poisoning of catalysts in the fuel processor and in the fuel cell anode. Although most sulfur species are removed prior to reforming, the reducing environment of the reforming stage (such as autothermal reforming) converts residual sulfur to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S in the reformate must be removed to ensure longevity of the catalysts in downstream processing and in the anode chamber of fuel cell systems. A unique modified ZnO sample with a different morphology has been prepared and comparatively studied together with a commercially available ZnO sample under various conditions. Extremely low H2S outlet concentrations-as low as 20 parts per billion by volume (ppbv)-have been observed over the modified ZnO sample for extended periods of times. The sulfur-trap capacity (the amount of H2S trapped before breakthrough) also is dependent on space velocity, temperature, steam concentration, CO2 concentration, and particle size. Higher capacity is observed at higher H2S inlet concentration of 8 ppmv, compared to lower inlet concentrations of 1-4 ppmv. The trap capacity decreases monotonically as the temperature increases. Steam in the reformate inhibits the capture of H2S by ZnO; it seems to shift the equilibrium of the reaction ZnO(s) + H2S(g) double left right arrow ZnS(s) + H2O(g) to the left, toward ZnO and H2S. The effect of steam seems to be reversible. Increasing the CO2 concentration in the feed up to 12 vol % decreases the capacity of ZnO for the capture of H2S.