Optimization of operating parameters for gas-phase photocatalytic splitting of H_2S by novel vermiculate packed tubular reactor

摘要

Hydrogen production by gas-phase photocatalytic splitting of Hydrogen Sulphide (H_2S) was investigated on four semiconductor photocatalysts including CuGa_(1.6)Fe_(0.4)O_2, ZnFe_2O_3, (CdS + ZnS)/Fe_2O_3 and Ce/TiO_2. The CdS and ZnS coated core shell particles (CdS + ZnS)/Fe_2O_3 shows the highest rate of hydrogen (H_2) production under optimized conditions. Packed bed tubular reactor was used to study the performance of prepared photocatalysts. Selection of the best packing material is a key for maximum removal efficiency. Cheap, lightweight and easily adsorbing vermiculate materials were used as a novel packing material and were found to be effective in splitting H_2S. Effect of various operating parameters like flow rate, sulphide concentration, catalyst dosage, light irradiation were tested and optimized for maximum H_2 conversion of 92% from industrial waste H_2S.