The promoter effect and a rate expression of the catalytic incineration of (CH3)2S2 over an improved CuO–MoO3/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

The CuO–MoO3/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, confirmed previously as having good activity in the catalytic incineration of (CH3)2S2, was employed as the principal catalyst in this study. With the aim of improving catalyst activity and resistance to deactivation by sulfur compounds, a promoter was added either before adding the precursors of Cu and Mo or together with Cu and Mo onto the γ-Al2O3. Promoters included transition metals and elements from groups IA–VIIA in the chemical periodic table. Experimental results reveal Cr2O3 as the most effective promoter, with an optimal composition of 5 wt.% Cu, 6 wt.% Mo and 4 wt.% Cr (designated as Cu(5)–Mo(6)–Cr(4)/γ-Al2O3). Knowing that higher acidity can improve activity, we further investigated the effect of acid treatment on the performance of the Cu(5)–Mo(6)–Cr(4)/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. Experimental results indicate the H2SO4-treated catalyst (Cu(5)–Mo(6)–Cr(4)/sulfated-γ-Al2O3) has a better activity and durability. A study for finding an appropriate rate expression for the catalytic incineration of (CH3)2S2 by Cu(5)–Mo(6)–Cr(4)/sulfated-γ-Al2O3 was carried out in a differential reactor. The results show that the Mars–Van Krevelen model is applicable to this destructive oxidation reaction. Results additionally reveal that competitive adsorption of CH4 reduces conversion of (CH3)2S2.