Hydrogen sulfide removal from natural gas using membrane technology: a review

Abstract

Natural gas, having a significantly lower CO₂ emission factor than oil and coal when combusted, is accepted as an important transition fuel towards carbon net-zero society. To meet the calorific value requirements (≥34.0 MJ m⁻³) and reduce possible corrosion of transportation pipelines, acid gases such as CO₂ and H₂S must be removed from raw natural gas. Membrane separation is a promising alternative approach to remove acid gases from natural gas. This paper aims to review the development of various polymer-based membranes and membrane processes for H₂S separation from natural gas. Progress in glassy polymer membranes, rubbery polymer membranes, hybrid membranes and membrane contactors for H₂S removal from natural gas is summarized and analyzed. The H₂S separation performance of various membranes is plotted in one diagram and a new H₂S/CH₄ upper bound is proposed. Challenges of membranes for H₂S separation and prospects of future development are thoroughly discussed.