Speakers - 2026

Title: Chemical amplification systems via sulfur species transformation: Bridging SO2 reduction and CH4/CO2 reforming

Abstract

The unresolved paradox of SO2 reduction lies in the conventional CH4-driven processes, in which CH4 appears too inert and generates CO2 emissions during sulfur recovery. Here, we propose a chemical amplification system (CAS) that establishes self-optimizing sulfur cycles for synergistic SO2 reduction and CH4/CO2 reforming in low-carbon mode. By implementing partial product (H2/CO) reflux with H2S as the promoter, the temperature for 100% SO2 reduction into H2S is reduced by about 400 oC compared with that via CH4 directly. Furthermore, the H2S-mediated CH4/CO2 reforming is boosted with reaction rate increased by about 5 times than that of conventional reforming. Excellent stability of the catalyst is also shown in long-term tests without deterioration orcarbon deposition. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reversible transformation between H2S and *HS- on the catalyst play vital role in the process, in which *HS can readily combine with CO2 to form *SCO2  intermediate to promote the release of active oxygen from CO2, which can attach the C-H bond of CH4 and removes the deposited carboneasily. This CAS demonstrates significant thermodynamic advantages, providing a promising closed-loop solution achieving simultaneous sulfur recovery and carbon management.