Inhibition of CO in Blast Furnace Flue Gas on Poisoning and Deactivation of a Ni/Activated Carbon Catalyst in COS Hydrolysis

A new method for delaying or avoiding catalyst poisoning in COS catalytic hydrolysis was found by using one of the existing gas components in blast furnace flue gas: CO. In this work, wood-based activated carbon (AC) catalysts were prepared, and the experimental results of COS catalytic hydrolysis showed that 10% Ni/AC could completely hydrolyze COS in a N2 atmosphere within 380 min, while there was no obvious deactivation within 1200 min in a CO atmosphere. The corresponding characterization showed that the oxidation process of H2S to sulfate (SO42–) was inhibited, and it was easier to desorb from the catalyst surface in a CO atmosphere. Obvious electron transfer occurred on the catalyst surface, and the enrichment and conversion of sulfate (SO42–) on the catalyst surface were inhibited. The excellent durability in CO can be attributed to the inhibition of sulfate formation by the presence of CO and the supplement of hydroxyl consumed on the catalyst surface by the presence of H2O, which is the key factor to inhibit the poisoning or deactivation of the catalyst in COS hydrolysis.