CuY@NiAl-Layered double oxides bi-functional composites for “Catalytic–Adsorptive” removal of carbonyl sulfide

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) removal processes, typically containing catalytic hydrolysis and subsequent capture of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generated, are energy-intensive and of high complexity. Bi-functional materials with the capability for synergistic catalytic conversion of COS and subsequent adsorption capture of H2S can enable effective removal of COS at low energy cost. Here, we report the development of a bi-functional CuY@NiAl-LDO composite material with integrated catalytic conversion of COS and adsorptive separation of H2S with high efficiency and stability. Fundamental material characterizations elucidate that the CuY@NiAl-LDO composite materials feature a core–shell structure. Coupled dynamic breakthrough experiments and DFT simulations highlight the unique synergistic "catalytic–adsorptive" effect between CuY and NiAl-LDO in the COS removal processes. Specifically, compared with the pure zeolite CuY and NiAl-LDO, the CuY@NiAl-LDO composites present significantly higher COS removal performance. The highest degree of desulfurization was observed on CuY@NiAl-LDO(46 %) at 80 °C with a breakthrough sulfur capacity of 20.57 mg-S/g and no detectable H2S in the outlet gas. In sum, this study highlights the synergistic "catalytic–adsorptive" mechanism of the bi-functional CuY@NiAl-LDO core–shell composite in desulfurization. The insights obtained may benefit chemical engineers by providing a new strategy for the development of multi-functional desulfurization materials.