Chemical and morphological characterization of mesoporous material supported copper oxide nanoparticles for potential application

SBA-15 supported nano-scaled copper oxide was synthesized by impregnation method via ultrasonic-assisted route. The removal test from gas mixture containing 0.1 vol.% hydrogen sulfide was carried out over this material at atmospheric conditions. The effects of the chemical nature of copper oxide and the textural properties of the material on removal capacity were studied. The materials before and after the removal test were analyzed by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscope, X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and Inductive Coupled Plasma. The results showed that copper species are located predominantly in mesopore channels, existing as copper oxide nanoparticles. Mesopores are active sites for removal reaction. The outstanding performance of hydrogen sulfide uptake capacity is attributed to a combination of the nature of the active centers and the well-proportioned distribution of active phase inside the mesoporous material.