Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous metal oxide–silica composite for removal of mercaptan

A series of 3DOM and non-3DOM metal oxide–silica composites were prepared and tested dynamically in a packed-bed reactor at room temperature to remove ethanethiol from a gas stream containing ethyl mercaptan in moist N2.The obtained sorbents were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption techniques. The experimental results showed that the adsorption ability of different kinds of metal oxide–silica composites with 3DOM structure decreased in the sequence: 3D-CuO/SiO2 > 3D-NiO/SiO2 > 3D-Co3O4/SiO2 > 3D-ZnO/SiO2. The best ratio of CuO to SiO2 of 3DOM copper–silicon oxide sorbents for ethanethiol removal was found to be 1:2. The 3DOM structure could improve the removal activity of sorbents remarkably because of the high porosity with ordered interconnected macropores as well as the large surface area and high dispersion of CuO. It was also found that a moist atmosphere greatly benefited the adsorption of ethanethiol at ambient condition.