Catalytic oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur over mesoporous Nb/Fe mixed oxides

Abstract

The mesoporous Nb/Fe mixed oxides with different Nb/Fe ratios were prepared by short-chain amine (hexylamine) templating method via co-precipitation process, and found to be an efficient catalyst for the selective oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur. Compared with the conventional co-precipitated Nb/Fe mixed oxide, the mesoporous oxide shows higher yields (ca. 91 % at 493 K) of elemental sulfur. The high catalytic activity and good stability is believed to be due to the high surface area and the relatively thick pore wall of mesoporous Nb/Fe mixed oxide.