Removal of Sour Gases from Natural Gas: Utilizing Nickel Oxide Based Catalysts for Simultaneously Reactions of Methanation and Desulfurization

Malaysia has one of the most extensive natural gas pipeline networks in Asia. Using pipeline system, the gas will be channelled to the onshore station where the natural gas will undergo separation of acidic gases. Nowadays, the removal of toxic gases such as H2S and CO2 via chemical conversion attracted many researchers due to the effectiveness of the technique. In this research, new catalysts of high industrial impact that can catalyze the reactions of CO2 methanation and H2S desulfurization were developed. A series of catalysts based on nickel oxide doped with ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and platinum were prepared. Then, the best two catalysts were subjected to undergo several optimizations such as different calcination temperature of catalysts, calcination temperatures of alumina, different support materials, preparation method, reproducibility testing and regeneration testing. This research should help and provide a new insight to the scientist worldwide in the treatment of sour gases from natural gas or anyone else who may be considering utilizing this techniques for green environmental efforts.