Catalyst participation in the reduction of sulphur dioxide by carbon monoxide in the presence of water and oxygen

Abstract

Copper supported on alumina is a catalyst for the reduction of sulphur dioxide by carbon monoxide. In the presence of water and oxygen, calculation of the equilibrium state of the gas phase and condensed phase by a free energy minimisation method reveals that for certain combinations of gas composition and temperature, copper(II) sulphide will be formed.

Copper was converted to copper sulphide when used as a catalyst for the reduction of a stoichiometric mixture of sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide containing 2.4 % water at 580°C. Oxygen is a poison for the reaction.