Capture of mercury in combustion systems by in situ-generated titania particles with UV irradiation

In situ-generated sorbent titania particles with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation have been shown to be effective in capture of mercury in combustor exhausts. Results of experiments conducted with the (1) sorbent precursor only, (2) mercury only, (3) mercury and UV irradiation, and (4) mercury, titania, and UV irradiation are presented to elucidate the mechanisms of the capture process. Capture efficiencies (percentage of Hg captured on the filter) as high as 96% were measured for mercury by titania with UV irradiation. A very high surface area titania sorbent was first formed, with mercury vapors condensing onto this surface, followed by photocatalytic oxidation and binding with the sorbent particles. The process has significant potential as a low-cost methodology for mercury control in practical combustion systems. Minimal retrofitting may be necessary as conventional particulate control devices such as electrostatic precipitators have coronas with UV radiation present.