Catalytic Oxidation of Sulfur Dioxide by Activated Carbon: A Physical Chemistry Experiment

The experiment described in this paper is concerned with the use of activated carbon as a catalyst for oxidation of SO₂ to sulfuric acid. The experiment is a good example of heterogeneous catalysis and environmental clean-up. It is simple to set up and uses a conductometer (conductivity meter) to follow the reaction. We describe the experiment in detail, from the preparation of sulfur dioxide to its oxidation by oxygen, the reaction catalyzed by activated carbon. Typical results and suggestions for performing a larger study of the kinetics of the reaction are presented.