Pitch-Based Nitrogen-Doped Mesoporous Carbon for Flue Gas Desulfurization

Scalable synthesis of N-doped mesoporous carbons (NMPCs) and their application in flue gas desulfurization are presented. The NMPCs were prepared by carbonation of pitch powder mixed with lamellar MgO templates and melamine as N source. Both mesoporous structure and N doping have significantly contributed to enhance the SO2 adsorption rather than specific surface area. As a result, the NMPCs exhibit a sulfur capacity of 13.7 mg/g, which is twice greater than that of commercial activated carbon and 60% greater than that of the undoped mesoporous carbon. Regeneration of the NMPCs was carried out at 120 degrees C without water vapor with good cycling stability. The NMPCs with an excellent SO2 adsorption performance are promising for application in the desulfurization process with zero emission and are especially designed for use in a refinery.