Avaliação do uso de catalisador baseado em nióbio para remoção de H2S na produção do biogás

Abstract

In the context of the development of renewable and sustainable energy, the use of biogas as a source of high-quality biomethane has attracted significant attention in the market. Biogas is a clean and alternative energy resource, whose potential depends on its purity and, therefore, it is necessary to apply more efficient methodologies in the processes that involve the treatment of this gas mixture, such as the use of catalysts. Because the inocula used during biodigestion are not standardized and the residues have a similar composition, the function of catalysts is fundamental in the anaerobic digestion process in order to improve the results of this bioprocess. Since the kinetics of incorporation of niobium compounds into waste treatment bioprocesses is not known, this study aims to evaluate the use of an iron/niobium catalyst as an alternative for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from biogas. The methodology was carried out through systematic analysis of literature, laboratory experiments and statistical analysis. To analyze the chemical feasibility of including this metallic compound in the bioprocess, five experimental treatments were tested during the biodigestion of organic waste: control group, addition of cellulose, addition of iron catalysts, addition of niobium catalysts and iron combined with niobium to verify the influence of the catalyst on the performance of biogas production, including effects on the final concentration of H2S. Results of the comparison of average effects are presented, the addition of niobium in bioprocess for biogas production does not have inhibitory effects, the pilot experiment lasting seven days corroborated the main experiment lasting 25 days in relation to biogas production, a longer bioprocess time does not promote growth in the area under the average curve in niobium treatments.