Schewe, N. / Maleki, F. / Di Liberto, G. / Pacchioni, G. / Gerdes, A. / Idriss, H. / Wöll, C. (2023)

Chemistry A European Jornal, 2023, 29, 23, e202203956

Abstract

The interaction of CaO and Ca(OH)2 with solvated or gaseous SO2 plays a crucial role in the corrosion of urban infrastructure by acid rain or in the removal of SO2 from flue gas. We carried out a combined spectroscopic and theoretical investigation on the interaction of SO2 with a CaO(001) single crystal. First, the surface chemistry of SO2 was investigated at different temperatures using polarization-resolved IR reflection absorption spectroscopy. Three species were identified, and an in-depth density functional theory study was carried out, which allowed deriving a consistent picture. Unexpectedly, low temperature exposure to SO2 solely yields a physisorbed species. Only above 100 K, the transformation of this weakly bound adsorbate first to a chemisorbed sulfite and then to a sulfate occurs, effectively passivatating the surface. Our results provide the basis for more efficient strategies in corrosion protection of urban infrastructure and in lime-based desulfurization of flue gas.

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