Surfactant-assisted synthesis and catalytic activity for SOx abatement of high-surface-area CuMgAlCe mixed oxides

CuMgAlCe mixed oxides were prepared by a modified coprecipitation–calcination method using CTAB as surfactant template. All the precursors showed hydrotalcite-like layered structure and mixed oxides with mainly periclase phase were obtained after calcination. Catalytic activity for SO2 removal of mixed oxides was examined through adsorption–reduction cycles under the conditions similar to those of FCC units. The results showed that incorporation of both Ce and Cu could improve SOx oxidative chemisorption. CTAB/metal molar ratio during synthesis had a significant influence on the structural properties of mixed oxides. Sample CuMgAlCe-0.1 prepared by CTAB/metal molar ratio of 0.1 had the highest specific area 142.2 m2/g and also presented the best SO2 adsorption rate and capacity. This behavior is mainly due to its exposed more adsorption sites provided by high specific surface area, facilitating SO2 diffusion and contact with active components. It still possessed excellent cyclic stability that is beneficial for industrial application.