MnOx/Graphene for the Catalytic Oxidation and Adsorption of Elemental Mercury

MnOx/graphene composites were prepared and employed to enhance the performance of manganese oxide (MnOx) for the capture of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in flue gas. The composites were characterized using FT-IR, XPS, XRD, and TEM, and the results showed that the highly dispersed MnOx particles could be readily deposited on graphene nanosheets via hydrothermal process described here. Graphene appeared to be an ideal support for MnOx particles and electron transfer channels in the catalytic oxidation of Hg(0) at a high efficiency. Thus, MnOx/graphene-30% sorbents exhibited an Hg(0) removal efficiency of greater than 90% at 150 °C under 4% O2, compared with the 50% removal efficiency of pure MnOx. The mechanism of Hg(0) capture is discussed, and the main Hg(0) capture mechanisms of MnOx/graphene were catalytic oxidation and adsorption. Mn is the main active site for Hg(0) catalytic oxidation, during which high valence Mn (Mn(4+) or Mn(3+)) is converted to low valence Mn (Mn(3+) or Mn(2+)). Graphene enhanced the electrical conductivity of MnOx, which is beneficial for catalytic oxidation. Furthermore, MnOx/graphene exhibited an excellent regenerative ability, and is a promising sorbent for capturing Hg(0).