Influence of Textural Properties of FAU Zeolite on the Desulfurization Performance for H₂S in Blast Furnace Gas

The clean utilization of blast furnace gas (BFG), a gaseous byproduct of blast furnace ironmaking, is of great importance to meet the latest China national policy by removing sulfur-containing compounds (COS and H2S). To achieve this purpose, one of the efficient ways is to convert COS into H2S and subsequently to remove H2S using an adsorption method. Various sorbents, like metal oxides and activated carbons, have been used, but the limitations in the recycle of sample regeneration hinder their application. Faujasite (FAU) zeolites, which are known for their structural stability and desulfurization potential, were selected, and the desulfurization performance of three samples with varying Si/Al ratios (labeled Z-1, Z-2, and Z-3) for H2S in simulated BFG was evaluated using fixed-bed equipment. Their pore structure parameters, elemental content, morphology, and alkaline sites were analyzed using N2 adsorption, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and carbon dioxide temperature-programmed desorption. The results revealed that Z-2 exhibited the highest sulfur breakthrough capacity of 11.2 mg of S/100 g of sorbent. The higher silica/alumina ratios could improve the hydrophobicity of the sorbent. Z-2 also demonstrated excellent regeneration ability, maintaining stable performance over 5 adsorption–regeneration cycles. This research provides valuable insights into the desulfurization of BFG.