SO₂ Adsorption and Kinetics Analysis during Supported Triethanolamine Acetate Ionic Liquid Desulfurization.

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ionic liquid desulfurization offers a green and circular approach.
• High viscosity of ionic liquids hinders efficient desulfurization.
• Supported ionic liquid systems are explored to mitigate viscosity issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an economical and efficient supported ionic liquid for desulfurization.
• To investigate the SO2 adsorption performance of triethanolamine acetate ionic liquid/silica (TAIL/SiO2).
• To optimize TAIL/SiO2 for enhanced sulfur capacity and adsorption kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Triethanolamine acetate ionic liquid (TAIL) synthesized and loaded onto silica gel particles (SiO2).
• Fixed-bed reactor used to study the effects of temperature, humidity, particle size, and loading ratio on SO2 adsorption.
• Characterization of TAIL/SiO2 morphology and aggregate formation.
• Kinetic analysis using the Bangham rate model.

Main Results:

• TAIL/SiO2 exhibited uneven spherical clusters on the silica surface.
• Optimal loading ratio (below 0.74), smaller silica particle size, lower temperature, and reduced moisture content enhanced sulfur capacity.
• Maximum sulfur capacity reached 124.98 mg SO2/(g TAIL/SiO2), exceeding activated carbon.
• The Bangham model accurately predicted SO2 adsorption kinetics.

Conclusions:

• TAIL/SiO2 is a promising material for efficient and cost-effective desulfurization.
• Optimized conditions significantly improve SO2 adsorption capacity and performance.
• This supported ionic liquid offers a viable alternative to traditional adsorbents like activated carbon.