Yolk-Shell Nanoparticles for H2S Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adsorbents for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal in petroleum industry face challenges such as low adsorption capacity, stability issues during regeneration, and sintering, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The development of yolk-shell nanoparticles with a mesoporous silica shell and copper-based nanoparticles, where a void space between the shell and the nanoparticles allows for expansion and contraction during adsorption and regeneration, maintaining high reactivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If metal oxides are used as adsorbents for H2S removal, then high density and high capacity are achieved, but non-regenerable side products form and activity is lost due to sintering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption capacityVSAvoidregenerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A silica shell is formed around metal oxide nanoparticles to create a protective enclosure. This shell prevents direct contact between the metal oxide and sulfur species, avoiding the formation of non-regenerable side products while maintaining high adsorption capacity through the enclosed reactive material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The silica shell acts as a physical barrier that prevents sintering of metal oxide crystallites during repeated sulfidation and oxidation cycles. By isolating the nanoparticles, the shell maintains their small size, large surface area, and high reactivity over multiple regeneration cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If metal oxide nanoparticles are supported on mesoporous silica, then sintering is addressed, but adsorption capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesintering resistanceVSAvoidadsorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Metal oxide nanoparticles are enclosed within a silica shell to form a core-shell structure. This nested configuration allows the metal oxide core to benefit from the silica shell's sintering resistance while maintaining direct exposure of the nanoparticle surface to H2S, preserving high adsorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The silica shell is designed as a thin protective layer that encloses the metal oxide nanoparticles without blocking their reactive sites. This thin film approach provides sintering protection while allowing H2S to access the metal oxide surface for adsorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Quantity of substance

If activated carbon is used for H2S removal, then high adsorption capacity is achieved, but fines are formed due to large micropores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption capacityVSAvoidfines formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The structure transitions from bulk activated carbon with large micropores to nanoscale metal oxide particles enclosed in silica shells. This parameter change in size and structure maintains high adsorption capacity through increased surface area while eliminating the formation of fines that occur with conventional activated carbon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The yolk-shell nanoparticles exhibit high H2S adsorption capacities and stability during multiple cycles, preventing sintering and maintaining adsorption efficiency, thus offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for H2S removal.

Implementation Method 1

H2S adsorption capacities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

preventing sintering and maintaining adsorption efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSintering prevention: Sintering

Implementation Method 3

allows for expansion and contraction during adsorption and regeneration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20220370983A1Yolk-shell nanoparticles for the removal of h2s from gas streams

Publication Date: 2022.11.24 ADNOC

AI summary

The present invention relates yolk-shell nanoparticles having both a high stability towards sintering and high H25 adsorption capacities, the use of the yolk-shell nanoparticles in a method for H2S removal from gas streams, and a corresponding method for H2S removal from gas streams also comprising the regeneration of the yolk-shell nanoparticles, wherein the yolk-shell nanoparticles provide for high H2 adsorption capacities and/or high reusability.