Electric-Field-Assisted Catalytic Methanethiol Decomposition Using Pt/CeO2 Catalyst

The increasing sulfur content in fossil fuels and the use of biogas as a renewable energy source has highlighted the need for effective desulfurization processes. To remove sulfur species from gaseous resources efficiently, a catalytic process that can convert sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at low temperatures is desirable. In this study, electric-field-assisted catalytic methanethiol (CH3SH) decomposition was performed to develop a new system for converting sulfur compounds to H2S at low temperatures. In the thermal catalytic reaction using the Pt/CeO2 catalyst, dimethyl sulfide, which is a byproduct of the reaction, is formed. Compared with the result, applying an electric field suppressed the side reaction. The CH4 and H2S formation rates slightly improved by applying the electric field, suggesting the possibility of controlling the CH3SH decomposition products.