Removal of low concentration CH 3 SH with regenerable Cu-doped mesoporous silica

Abstract Mercaptans are highly volatile compounds responsible for disagreeable odors and very low olfactory threshold, especially for CH 3 SH (0.4 ppvb). To the best knowledge of us, approach for controlling low-concentrated odors (i.e. 1–10 ppm) is scarcely reported. In this research, Cu-doped mesoporous silica was synthesized for removal of low-concentrated CH 3 SH. The as-prepared samples show considerably thermal and mechanical stability and could be thermal-regenerated. Copper loading ratio and humidity have significant impacts on eliminating odors. According to XRD, TEM, BET, NMR and EPR, we deduce that surface groups on CuO nanoparticles and the Si O Cu group are highly possibly transformed into a hydrated complex which is much more effective in capturing CH 3 SH with its empty Cu-3d orbit. Although CH 3 SH has to compete with water for absorption sites, it is always the “winner” owing to the strong chelating ability between SH group and Cu (Ⅱ).