Effect of CO2 on HCl removal from syngas using normal and modified Ca-based hydrotalcites: A comparative study

Abstract

MSW pyrolysis and gasification technologies have been recognized as effective means to enhance the resource utilization of MSW and promote a circular economy. However, the presence of HCl gas can significantly impact the quality and application of syngas. To maximize syngas resource utilization, develop highly efficient HCl adsorbent, this study investigates the performance and mechanism of HCl removal from syngas using a conventional hydrotalcite (Mg-Al-CO₃) and modified Ca-based hydrotalcite (Ca-Mg-Al-CO₃). The impact of CO₂, a component naturally presents in syngas, on the performance of both materials, were also investigated. Characterization techniques, including XRD, TGA, SEM, and analysis of pore properties and specific surface area, were employed to understand the underlying reaction mechanism. The results demonstrated that the performance of Ca-Mg-Al-CO₃ was significantly superior to that of conventional Mg-Al-CO₃ sorbents, particularly in the presence of CO₂ However, the presence of CO₂ had a detrimental impact on the performance of Ca-Mg-Al-CO₃ in HCl removal, and this effect became increasingly pronounced with higher concentrations of CO₂. TGA results revealed a competitive relationship between HCl and CO₂ during the adsorption process. Additionally, the fitting results of adsorption kinetics suggested that the adsorption reaction of HCl and CO₂ by Ca-Mg-Al-CO₃ followed multiple rate-controlling mechanisms.