Porous material adsorbents ZIF-8, ZIF-67, Co/Zn-ZIF and MIL-127(Fe) for separation of H2S from an H2S/CH4 mixture

The application of several porous solids for the purification of methane, representing natural gas, from H2S is studied. Computer simulations yield adsorption isotherms and separation selectivity. All investigated materials are suited for the separation, but with different efficiency. For MIL-127(Fe) the selectivity CH4/H2S reaches values of about 250 at 2 bar and 250 K. The results can be initially concluded that the potential energy of each gas/material pair, free space inside the material and metal oxide are important keys for adsorption and separation of H2S from CH4.

Automated summary

The application of several porous solids for the purification of methane from H2S is studied, and computer simulations are used to determine adsorption isotherms and separation selectivity. All investigated materials are suitable for the separation, but with varying efficiency. MIL-127(Fe) shows the highest selectivity for CH4/H2S at 2 bar and 250 K, reaching a value of about 250. The results initially suggest that the potential energy, free space inside the material, and metal oxide play important roles in the adsorption and separation of H2S from CH4.