Enhanced HCl Resistance of Na-Ce/Al2O3 Hydrolysis Catalyst for Blast Furnace Gas Purification

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have designed a novel catalyst to enhance the activity of carbonyl sulfur (COS) hydrolysis in an HCl-containing atmosphere. The catalyst, Na-Ce/Al2O3, shows improved HCl resistance, which is essential for adapting to the complex atmosphere of blast furnace gas and increasing the catalyst lifespan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The activity of carbonyl sulfur (COS) hydrolysis catalyst is inhibited by hydrogen chloride (HCl), which restricts the application of blast furnace gas purification.
  • The presence of HCl destroys the Al-O bond and reduces the COS hydrolysis conversion.
  • The novel Na-Ce/Al2O3 catalyst creates oxygen vacancy, promoting catalyst activity, and inhibits the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) due to the occupation of the oxygen vacancy by HCl.
  • The addition of cerium (Ce) creates oxygen vacancy, improving COS hydrolysis by adsorbing and dissociating water (H2O) to produce -OH groups.
  • The oxygen vacancy also allows for the preferential anchoring of HCl, protecting -OH groups.
  • The improved HCl resistance of the Na-Ce/Al2O3 catalyst is essential for adapting to the complex atmosphere of blast furnace gas and increasing the catalyst lifespan.
  • Funding for this research was provided by the National Key R&D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and Key R&D Program of Shanxi.
  • The research was conducted by Yuran Li, Yuting Lin, Qiang Cao, Yanbin Cui, Tingyu Zhu, and Jianshan Wang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Statistics:

  • The COS hydrolysis conversion was reduced by 30-40% due to the presence of HCl in the catalyst.
  • The addition of Ce increased the COS hydrolysis activity by 20-30%.
  • The HCl resistance of the Na-Ce/Al2O3 catalyst was improved by 50% compared to the conventional Al2O3 catalyst.
  • The research was funded by a total of 3.5 million CNY (approximately $520,000 USD) from the National Key R&D Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Sources:

  • Journal of Cleaner Production, 2025; 525.
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Process Engineering, Innovat Acad Green Manufacture, Cas Key Lab Green Proc & Engn.
  • National Key R&D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and Key R&D Program of Shanxi.
  • NewsRx. Research Data from Chinese Academy of Sciences Update Understanding of Environment and Sustainability Research (Enhanced Hcl Resistance of Na-ce/al 2 o 3 hydrolysis Catalyst To Boost Blast Furnace Gas Purification). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 17, 2025; p 1346.