Activated carbons for selective catalytic oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur

The use of activated carbons as catalysts for selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2) to elemental sulfur was investigated. The activated carbons were synthesized by using two cellulosic materials as the precursors. The catalytic experiments were carried out at 150°C in a laboratory-scale, fixed-bed reactor system. The reaction temperature was controlled by a K-type thermocouple in the furnace and monitored by another thermocouple axially centered in the reactor tube. Results show that the synthesized catalysts are capable of converting hydrogen sulfide gas to elemental sulfur in H2 and stimulated reformate streams.