La2CuO4/ZSM-5 sorbents for high-temperature desulphurization

•The sulfidation activity of La2O3 was remarkably enhanced by introduction of Cu.•5La5Cu/ZSM-5 sorbent had the highest sulfur capacity of 2240.5 μmol S/g.•H2 suppressed sulfur removal but CO had a little influence on sulfidation reaction.

The high-temperature H2S removal was conducted over xLayCu/ZSM-5 sorbents prepared via citric acid method. The sorbents showed good desulphurization performance, the maximal sulfur capacity of 2240.5 μmol S/g over 5La5Cu/ZSM-5 was achieved at 700 °C. The presence of H2 obviously shortened the breakthrough time and reduced the sulfur capacity. However, the presence of CO had little influence on the desulphurization behavior. The sulfidation activity of La2O3 can be significantly enhanced by introduction of Cu due to the intimate mixing of La2O3 and CuO, the formation of La2CuO4 compound.

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