Bucky paper with improved mechanical stability made from vertically aligned carbon nanotubes for desulfurization process

Bucky paper (BP) made from vertically aligned carbon nanotubes exhibits a high mechanical strength and flexibility owing to the high aspect ratio of the carbon nanotubes. Such macroscopic material with nanoscopic properties was efficiently used as a catalyst support in the gas-phase desulfurization reaction. The Fe2O3 (3 wt.%) supported on BP exhibits superior stability and activity in H2S oxidation to sulphur compared with other catalysts supported on activated charcoal and carbon felt. The high stability of the Fe2O3/BP catalyst was attributed to the presence of a strong active phase-support interaction which prevents the active phase sintering during operation.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (177 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with very high aspect ratio up to 20,000. ► Bucky paper (BP) was prepared from the high aspect ratio CNTs. ► The BP support was compared to carbon felt and activated carbon. ► BP–Fe2O3 catalyst exhibits high desulfurization performances.