Solar Fuel Production from Hydrogen Sulfide: An Upstream Energy Perspective

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide is readily available in vast quantities in the subsurface as a byproduct of industrial processes. Hydrogen evolution from H2S can transform this highly toxic gas into a source of green fuel. Compared to water splitting, H2S dissociation is thermodynamically more favorable. However, feasible industrial‐scale catalytic technologies are not developed yet. The recovery of valuable chemicals using carbon‐neutral photocatalytic processes can capitalize on abundant solar irradiation and advanced semiconductors. The challenge is developing photocatalysts that can efficiently operate over the long term in the harsh environment of subsurface and industry, while utilizing as much of the light source spectrum as possible and providing optimum adsorption/desorption abilities of hydrogen and sulfur‐containing intermediates. Meeting these requirements demands improved kinematic models of photocatalytic H2S decomposition to assess the effect of high temperatures, pressures, mixtures of hydrocarbons, produced water, and other contaminants. Metal sulfides‐based catalysts may be the key to H2S decomposition in the subsurface (e.g., oil and gas reservoirs) and wellbores, but first they need to be upscaled as bulk, robust, and recyclable materials. This review presents a guide for the development of the upstream energy production technology via photocatalytic H2S conversion.

A cubic Sm@CdS Q-dot glass as a photocatalyst for solar H2 generation

“…, 33 kJ mol −1 . 4 H 2 S gas is a toxic byproduct emitted in large quantities from both natural sources and industrial processes, and it may increase precipitously in the future. Growing concerns about the environment and resource utilisation have pushed research into novel technologies to convert H 2 S to S and H 2 as green fuels using solar energy.…”

A novel magnetic HS−-adsorptive nanocomposite photocatalyst (rGO/CoMn2O4–MgFe2O4) for hydrogen fuel production using H2S feed

“…1–4 One of the most dangerous and toxic pollutants is H 2 S gas, generated on a large scale during various natural and industrial processes. 5–7 Facing the H 2 S issue, the existing routes to solve the problem are the use of adsorbents, thermal decomposition, electrochemical and photo-splitting, and burning in an oxygen atmosphere (Claus process) with the aim of H 2 S elimination and production of hydrogen, sulfur, or other value-added materials. 8–11 Among these methods, the utilization of photons (sunlight) and semiconducting photocatalyst materials is an easy and economical way to convert this harmful pollutant into hydrogen fuel, and has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years.…”