Gold Innovations Blog

The removal of mercury contamination from flue gas streams in coal fired power stations is a major challenge in the US. A number of power plant trials are underway using the most promising technologies so far developed. One such technology is based on the use of precious metal catalysts.

Most forms of mercury can be easily removed from flue gas streams via physical processing, but some forms need to be oxidised before removal and this is the role that catalysts play.  Previous research has looked at the ability of a number of metal based catalysts to do this, of which gold based systems have proven to be one of the most promising in initial screening.  Gold has a high conversion level which is maintained over longer periods of time than alternative materials, of which most show a decrease in activity over time. 

World Gold Council and Queen’s University, Belfast, today announced a new research collaboration to develop a gold-based catalyst that will remove mercury contamination from flue gas streams in coal fired power stations.  The research team, led by Professor Hardacre at Queen’s University, Belfast, aims to develop new catalysts which have the potential to provide higher activity and stability. This research aims to develop a system that will circumvent the problems associated with existing technology, making catalysts more effective and long-lasting.  It will also investigate a method by which the catalyst may be reactivated after use. 

Each year World Gold Council provides financial support, via its GROW (Gold Research Opportunities Worldwide) programme, to a limited number of research and feasibility studies aimed at uncovering potential new industrial uses for gold. For more information about GROW see here.