Influence of the activation temperature on the SO2 removal capacity and mechanical performance of pelletized activated chars

The influence of steam activation temperature on the SO2 removal capability of subbituminous coal char pellets (SCCP) as well as the changes in their mechanical properties, were studied. The SCCP were prepared by pressing at 125 MPa a blend of a char, obtained by carbonization at 850 degrees C, and a commercial coal tar pitch. After a curing stage in air at 200 degrees C and a heat treatment at 900 degrees C in nitrogen, the SCCP were activated with steam (10g H2O min(-1)) for two hours at several temperatures: 600, 700, 750 and 800 degrees C. The SO2 adsorption capacity tests carried out at simulated flue gas conditions (100 degrees C, 10% H2O, 6% O2, 1s space velocity) show an important increase in the amount of adsorbed SO2 of the activated SCCP with respect to parent ones, whereas their mechanical performance decreases in the same proportion, mainly in the interval 700-750 degrees C. Increasing the temperature of activation, the SCCP undergo significant changes in textural features (total surface area measured in N2 and CO2, pore volume) as well as in surface oxygenated groups, as shown by TPD experiments. There is an optimum ratio between both parameters (around 8 micromol g(-1)) for the SO2 conversion at the studied conditions.The financial support of the European Coal and Steel Community (Project nº 7220/EB344) is duly recognizedPeer reviewe