Surface studies of absorbents for the removal of SO{sub x} and NO{sub x}. Final technical report

Removal of SO2 from flue gas is major problem in use of coal for electric power generation. CuO on Al2O3 can be used as a regenerable SO2 adsorbent for flue-gas cleanup. Modeling study indicated that success of CuO on Al2O3 probably depends on the O-Cu bonding energy being lower than that of O-Al; hence, the sorbent should be operated at low temperature where the hydroxyl ions render the Al sites ineffective. Measurements show that the sorbent with 7% Cu loading is more efficient than 5% for Cu{sup +} formation; optimum temperature is 200 C. Modeling survey indicated little promise for ZnO; this was confirmed by experiment. MoO showed some promise.