Nitrogen modified carbide-derived carbons as adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide

Carbide-derived carbons produced from titanium carbide at temperatures from 600 °C to 1000 °C and exhibiting different porosities were treated with urea in order to introduce nitrogen containing species to their surface. Adsorption of hydrogen sulfide in the dynamic conditions in the presence of moisture was studied on initial and modified samples. The samples, before and after exposure to hydrogen sulfide, were characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis. The results showed that the introduction of nitrogen significantly enhances the performance of carbons in the process of hydrogen sulfide removal. The amount adsorbed and the degree of oxidation depended on the porosity. On the samples with very small pores, the adsorption was limited, probably owing to the sterical hindrances. With an increase in the size and volume of micropores, in which water and hydrogen sulfide can be accommodated, the efficiency of H2S removal by CDC increased.

Graphical abstractThe introduction of nitrogen significantly enhances the performance of carbons in the process of hydrogen sulfide removal. The amount adsorbed and the degree of oxidation depended on the porosity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide