CATALYST FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SULFUR-DIOXIDE FROM STREAMS BY THE CLAUS REACTION AT LOW-TEMPERATURE

The behaviour of different material as potential Claus catalysts at low temperature were studied. Using characterization techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis, nitrogen adsorption and mercury porosimetry, the chemical state and distribution of the deposited sulphur and its effect on the textural properties of the materials used as catalysts were determined. Both catalytic activity and sulphur retention were highly correlated with the pore size of the catalyst materials. The catalytic deactivation through the deposited sulphur did not proceed as fast as was expected because sulphur partly plays the role of an autocatalyst in the Claus reaction. Catalyst regeneration by simple elimination of the deposited sulphur did not result in full recovery of the activity of the fresh material.