Composition modification of zinc titanate sorbents for hot gas desulfurization. Quarterly technical report, September 1, 1994--November 30, 1994

For new coal gasification systems, zinc titanate sorbents are being developed to remove sulfur from the hot product gas prior to its use in combined cycle turbines and high temperature fuel cells. Although most of the properties of these sorbents are very attractive, there are still concerns about durability over many sulfidation-regeneration cycles and zinc losses due to vaporization. Doping the zinc titanate with other metal ions could alleviate both concerns, which are the objectives of this project. During the first quarter of effort, several sorbent formulations were prepared and testing begun. The dopants presently under study are Ni, Cr, Cu, and Al. Crush strength results obtained to date show that Ni and Cu dopants have a large positive effect, while Cr gives a small improvement. Measurements were also made of sulfur capacity and sulfidation rates with a thermogravimetric analyzer. Of the three formulations, only the one containing Cr had a high sulfur capacity. X-ray measurements will be relied upon heavily to obtain an understanding of solubility effects and sulfidation mechanisms. Screening experiments will continue on the doped sorbents mentioned above next quarter, and Mg will be studied also