Nickel iron phosphates were studied for the selective oxidation of hydrogen
sulfide to sulfur, Nickel iron phosphate and Fe/Cr samples were more activ
e than simple iron, chromium, and mixed iron-chromium oxides, which had bee
n previously studied. Nickel iron phosphate catalyst prepared by solid-soli
d method with, consequently, a very low specific surface area was intrinsic
ally active and selective to sulfur(conversion 17%, S-n selectivity 97%); n
o rapid deactivation was observed. Even though higher specific surface area
samples, prepared according to a solution method at various calcination te
mperatures, showed better performance (conversion 76%, S-n selectivity >90%
), the specific activity depended on the crystallinity of the samples. The
reaction is apparently structure sensitive. The structure of the catalytic
material must facilitate electronic exchange, evidenced by Mossbauer Charac
terization. The establishment of the mixed valency Fe2+/Fe3+ under catalyti
c feed was shown to be an essential factor in this reaction. (C) 1999 Acade
mic Press.