Simultaneous SO2 and NO removal from flue gas based on TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation

A new approach to the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO from flue gas, by TiO2 photocatalysis based on UV irradiation technology, is presented. Experiments on the simultaneous desulphurization and denitrification were carried out using this photocatalyst in a self-designed photocatalytic reactor. Under the optimal experimental conditions, a removal efficiency of 98% for SO2 and 50% for NO was achieved. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrometry were used to observe the surface characteristics of the TiO2 photocatalyst. It was found that the surface of the quartz sand carrier was covered with Ti, on which the Si content of the quartz sand carrier was similar to the Ti content, indicating that the quartz sand supported the TiO2 membrane well. Based on the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and chemical analysis of the resulting products, the SO2 and NO removal mechanisms were revealed. Sulphate was the main desulphurization product and nitrite was the main denitrification product. In the removal reaction, NO was rapidly oxidized to NO2 and absorbed in the chemical reaction.