H2S adsorbed by bismuth oxychloride under room temperature

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) with controllable morphologies is synthesized for room-temperature removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by a facile one-step hydrothermal methodology. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that the obtained BiOCl has a much better sulfur adsorption capacity than that of bismuth oxide. At room temperature, S atoms replaced O atoms in the first few atomic layers of BiOCl to form a passivation layer on its surface, preventing further erosion of the BiOCl material by H2S molecules. In the presence of oxygen, BiOCl can continue to oxidize the H2S molecules to sulfur. The diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transformation spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations further verify the adsorption behaviors of H2S molecules on the surface of BiOCl. The comprehensive insight into the adsorption behavior of H2S on the BiOCl surface provides a reference for the development of novel room-temperature desulfurization materials and applications in anti-H2S corrosion.