Novel Sorbents for Removal of Mercury, Arsenic, Sulfur and Halides from Coal-Derived Synthesis Gas

Gasification technologies convert coal and other heavy feedstocks into synthesis-gas feed streams that can be used as a fuel for highly efficient power generation cycles or can be converted into value-added chemicals and transportation fuels. However, coal-derived synthesis gas contains a myriad of contaminants (e.g., sulfur, halides, mercury, and arsenic) that may (1) be regulated in power plant emissions and (2) act as poisons for the catalysts used in downstream chemical manufacturing processes. This project will develop a low-cost, high capacity, sorbent that can remove these trace contaminants from coal-derived synthesis gas. The sorbent will reduce the concentration of all these contaminants to ppbv levels, providing optimum protection for the catalysts used to convert coal-derived synthesis gas into liquid fuels. Unlike the commercially available trace metal adsorbents or sulfur polishing sorbents, the new sorbent will operate at the exit temperature of the warm gas clean-up step (500oF). Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The sorbent-based contaminant removal system would find immediate use in the commercial-scale demonstration of coal-to-liquid plants. Conversion of coal-derived synthesis gas into chemical intermediates and transportation fuels is an emerging market.