Iron-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as Platform for H2S Selective Conversion: Structure-Dependent Desulfurization Activity.

Three classical Fe-MOFs, viz., MIL-100(Fe), MIL-101(Fe), and MIL-53(Fe), were synthesized to serve as platforms for the investigation of structure-activity relationship and catalytic mechanism in the selective conversion of H2S to sulfur. The physicochemical properties of the Fe-MOFs were characterized by various techniques. It was disclosed that the desulfurization performances of Fe-MOFs with well-defined microstructures are obviously different. Among these, MIL-100(Fe) exhibits the highest catalytic performance (ca. 100% H2S conversion and 100% S selectivity at 100-180 °C) that is superior to that of commercial Fe2O3. Furthermore, the results of systematic characterization and DFT calculation reveal that the difference in catalytic performance is mainly because of discrepancy in the amount of Lewis acid sites. A plausible catalytic mechanism has been proposed for H2S selective conversion over Fe-MOFs. This work provides critical insights that are helpful for rational design of desulfurization catalysts.