Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of CeO2/Mg,Al-mixed oxides as catalysts for SOx removal

CeO2/Mg,Al-mixed oxide with Mg/Al = 1, for which both an Mg(Al)O periclase-type and an MgAl2O4-spinel were present showed the best performance for SOx removal under conditions similar to those of FCC units. The sulfates formed from the spinel-phase are more easily reduced than those from the periclase phase. The growth of the sulfate phase in the early stages of sulfation destroys the small mesopores of the catalyst. Upon regeneration, the sulfate phase is consumed and larger mesopores are formed.