AP-TPR technique and tool for organic sulfur speciation in lignit humic acids

Abstract

This paper describes the application of the atmospheric pressure-temperature programmed reduction (AP-TPR) technique in determining organic sulfur speciation in humic acids. The profile of AP-TPR measurement is presented as well as the compositions of sulfur volatiles registered in flue gases by AP-TPR-GC/MS. The results demonstrate that the AP-TPR technique is essential in determining thiols, dialylsulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones in lignite humic substances. It is a possible alternative of X-ray spectral techniques. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the procedure is destructive, but analyses require a relative small sample quantity. The technique can be adapted as a routine in laboratory depending on the purpose of the study.