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Synthesis of calcium vanadate nanoparticles as a catalyst for dry sulphur dioxide desulfurization
1 , 2 , 1 , * 3 , 4
1  Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Vaal University of Technology, Andries Potgieter Blvd, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa
2  Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, 70 Steve Biko Rd, Musgrave, Berea, 4001, South Africa
3  Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1900, Gauteng, South Africa.
4  Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Academic Editor: Young-Cheol Chang

Abstract:

Chronic health and ecological issues stemming from sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions due to fossil fuel combustion necessitate the development of more efficient and cost-effective scrubbing methods beyond conventional wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD). This study explored the synthesis of a calcium vanadium-based nanocomposite (CaV2O6) using vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) waste and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) as precursors, intended for application as a catalytic adsorbent in dry desulfurization systems. The primary objective was to enhance SO2 selectivity and catalytic activity by refining the sorbent’s morphological properties to improve thermal stability and redox performance. The formulation approach involved a sol-gel process, rapid thermal treatment, and subsequent hydrogen reduction. A central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize synthesis parameters, including reaction temperatures ranging from 700 to 1000 °C, reaction times from 1-3 hours, and a V2O5:Ca(NO3)2 molar ratio of 0.3-1.0. The physicochemical properties of the CaV2O6 material were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. SEM revealed a porous nanosheet morphology, while XRD confirmed the formation of an orthorhombic CaV2O6 phase. BET analysis showed an average surface area of 25.340 m2/g, representing a 40.6% increase compared to a conventional Ca(OH)2 sorbent (18.019 m2/g). The developed material suggests that the laboratory-scale synthesis protocol is capable of replacing costly dry flue gas desulfurization reagents with those derived from sustainable precursors.

Keywords: Desulfurization;Optimization;Vanadium Pentoxide;Waste Valorization.

 
 
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