Behavior of pyrite as sulfur carrier for chemical looping decomposition of H2S into H2 and S
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Direct decomposition of hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen and sulfur (H 2 S → S + H 2 ) enables production of clean H 2 with sulfur recovery. However, the reaction has the thermodynamics limit. Chemical looping decomposition of H 2 S is a novel technology using metal sulfides as sulfur carriers, which can break the thermodynamic limit and realize efficient conversion of H 2 S for H 2 and S production. Methods Pyrite as a low-cost sulfur carrier was first proposed and its reaction behavior for chemical looping decomposition of H 2 S was evaluated. Thermodynamic analysis, experiments and phase characterizations (XRD, SEM-EDS and PSD) were conducted with key issues to be identified as: decomposition and sulfidation behavior of pyrite, effects of temperature, stability and reaction mechanism. Significant findings The pyrite decomposition followed random nucleation with subsequent growth model ( G ( α ) = − I n ( 1 − α ) ) , with an activation energy of 67.556 KJ∙mol⁻¹. The pyrite as a sulfur carrier exhibited desirable stability during chemical looping cycles. The presence of Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 in pyrite played a significant impact in the stability of the sulfur carrier by dispersing active substance and developing uniform porous structures within the solid particles. The work provided theoretical support basis for the rational design of highly-efficient sulfur carrier and enhancement of reaction process.
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
OpenAlex ID: W7129416183