Benzenesulfonic acid-grafted graphene as a new and green nanoadsorbent in hydrogen sulfide removal

Benzenesulfonic acid-grafted graphene (BS-rGO) was synthesized through a three-step reaction, characterized, and employed as a highly efficient nanoadsorbent for hydrogen sulfide removal. The materials including precursors and final adsorbent were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The operational conditions of 4000-6000 h(-1) space velocities and 60,000 ppm H2S feed concentrations were examined on adsorption capacity. Furthermore, temperature optimization within the range of 30-70 degrees C was set which significantly improved the adsorption capacity of the nanoadsorbent. After 3 h, the amount of H2S output concentration by GO, rGO, and BS-rGO was found as 369 ppm, 488 ppm, and 220 ppm, respectively. Hydrogen sulfide adsorption analysis showed a good result to eliminate the H2S using nanoadsorbent. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.