Electric-Field-Assisted Catalytic Methanethiol Decomposition Using Pt/CeO₂ Catalyst

The increasing sulfur content in fossil fuels and the use of biogas as a renewable energy source has highlighted the need for effective desulfurization processes. To remove sulfur species from gaseous resources efficiently, a catalytic process that can convert sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) at low temperatures is desirable. In this study, electric-field-assisted catalytic methanethiol (CH₃SH) decomposition was performed to develop a new system for converting sulfur compounds to H₂S at low temperatures. In the thermal catalytic reaction using the Pt/CeO₂ catalyst, dimethyl sulfide, which is a byproduct of the reaction, is formed. Compared with the result, applying an electric field suppressed the side reaction. The CH₄ and H₂S formation rates slightly improved by applying the electric field, suggesting the possibility of controlling the CH₃SH decomposition products. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)