Cobalt (hydr)oxide/graphite oxide composites: Importance of surface chemical heterogeneity for reactive adsorption of hydrogen sulfide

Composites of cobalt (hydr)oxide and graphite oxide (GO) were obtained and evaluated as adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide at ambient conditions. The surface properties of the initial and exhausted samples were studied by FTIR, TEM, SEM/EDX, XRD, adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, and thermal analysis. The results obtained show a significant improvement in their adsorption capacities compared to parent compounds. The importance of the OH groups of cobalt (hydr)oxide/GO composites and new interface chemistry for the adsorption of hydrogen sulfide on these materials is revealed. The oxygen activation by the carbonaceous component resulted in formation of sulfites. Water enhanced the removal process. This is the result of the basic environment promoting dissociation of H2S and acid-base reactions. Finally, the differences in the performance of the materials with different mass ratios of GO were linked to the availability of active sites on the surface of the adsorbents, dispersion of these sites, their chemical heterogeneity, and location in the pore system. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.