Effects of sol-gel synthesis on 5Fe-15Mn-40Zn-40Ti-O mixed oxide structure and its H2S removal efficiency from industrial gas streams.

A novel Fe-Mn-Zn-Ti-O mixed metal oxide has been developed for efficient low-temperature (25-50 degrees C) removal of H2S from a gas mixture containing 600 ppm H2S, 25 vol% H2, 7.5 vol % CO2, and 1-3 vol% H2O that simulates typical conditions experienced at the outlet of a bioreactor loaded with sulfate metal reducing bacteria (SMRB) that converts toxic Cr6+ and As5+ present in ground and surface waters and soils into nontoxic elements. During the latter conversion H2S gas is produced and has to be treated. In the present work it is demonstrated for the first time that by using the sol-gel synthesis route at given experimental conditions (e.g., metal precursor salts, solvent system, and solution pH), optimum structural properties for the Fe-Mn-Zn-Ti-O solid can be obtained for maximization of H2S uptake. In particular, at 25 degrees C an H2S uptake (0.085 g H2S/g solid) larger by at least a factor of 3 compared to a commercial Ni-based H2S absorbent material was obtained.