Facile regeneration vitreous microfibrous entrapped supported ZnO sorbent with high contacting efficiency for bulk H₂S removal from reformate streams in fuel cell applications

Microfibrous media technology developed at Auburn University, Auburn, AL, provides a novel approach for more effective design of small, efficient, and lightweight fuel processors, e.g., fuel cells. A sintered glass fiber carrier consisting of 3 vol % glass fibers was used, with high contacting efficiency, to entrap micro-sized ZnO/SiO₂ sorbent particulates for regenerable continuous batch bulk H₂S removal. The nano-dispersed nature of the ZnO combined with the use of small support particulates promoted high ZnO utilization, high contacting efficiency, and high accessibility of ZnO. It also facilitated the regeneration in air at 500°-600°C, compared to the packed bed of 1-2 mm commercial extrudates. The use of glass fibers permitted a large number of absorption/regeneration cycles due to their high corrosion resistance and thermal stability. The above noted approach allowed the continuous batch H₂S removal from reformate stream while significantly increasing bed utilization efficiency and reducing overall system weight and volume. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the AIChE 2004 Annual Meeting (Austin, TX 11/7-12/2004).