Cu/FeSx modified AC for removing gaseous elemental mercury from flue gas

Mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants has always been an environmental concern, and adsorption technology is an effective method for Hg-0 removal. In this study, copper-iron binary metal sulfide modified activated carbon (CuFeSx/AC) adsorbent was synthesized. The performance and mechanism of mercury removal were tested by adsorption experiments and characterization methods. The results showed that the mercury removal efficiency of Cu2Fe1Sx/AC under simulated flue gas (SFG) conditions at 150 degrees C could reach 91%, which was higher than CuSx/AC and FeSx/AC. Compared with CuSx/AC, the introduction of Fe increased the proportion of Cu+, which was usually linked to S-, resulting in the generation of more CuS((CuSI)-S-I) species. Meanwhile, the generation of active sulfur sites such as FeS2 was generated, which had a facilitative effect on the oxidation of Hg-0. Stable HgS was the predominant product on the adsorbent surface. The 2% sulfur loadings had significantly improved the sulfur resistance of conventional AC.

Automated summary

The CuFeSx/AC adsorbent synthesized in this study showed high efficiency in removing mercury under simulated flue gas conditions, and the introduction of Fe increased Cu+ proportion and generated active sulfur sites, facilitating the oxidation of Hg-0. Stable HgS was the major product on the adsorbent surface.