H2S adsorption by Ag and Cu ion exchanged faujasites

H2S adsorption from dilute streams containing He, N2, CO2, CO, and H2O was studied experimentally and by simulations for zeolites X and Y to evaluate their potential for Claus tail gas sulfur removal. Ag–X and Y were able to remove H2S in presence of all other species. CuX and CuY were efficient in removing H2S in the presence of N2, CO2, and water vapor but failed to remove H2S in presence of 2% CO. In agreement with the experimental findings, simulation results showed that Ag(I)-exchange leads to the most promising faujasite sorbent for H2S, whereas Cu(I) is subject to strong adsorption of CO, and Na, and Cu(II) are subject to strong adsorption of H2O.

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► Ag faujasite can remove ppm levels of H2S from mixtures similar to Claus tail gas.
► Cu faujasites exhibit H2S adsorption capacities comparable to Ag faujasites.
► Cu faujasites show reduced adsorption in the presence of CO.
► Density functional theory simulations agree with the experimental findings.