Photocatalytic mineralization of hydrogen sulfide as a dual-phase technique for hydrogen production and environmental remediation

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is regarded as a broad-spectrum poison associated with severe health consequences. Among the available treatment options, photocatalytic technology may be effectively applied to the production of hydrogen gas through the splitting of H2S molecules and the addition of 79.9 kJ mol(-1) of energy. As a result, advanced photo-reactive media may provide a win-win strategy to treat the parent pollutant (H2S) while producing hydrogen gas. This review encompasses both TiO2 and non-TiO2 catalysts capable of operating under ultraviolet, visible, and solar light irradiation. The performances of photocatalysts are assessed in terms of quantum yield, space-time yield, and other operational variables, including mode of operation, irradiation time, and relative humidity. The concept of space velocity is used to compare photocatalysts in reference to benchmark parameters for the treatment of H2S. This review addresses current limitations and future prospects of the application of photocatalytic technology to efficiently mitigate H2S pollution.