Herein, we demonstrate
a new class of core–shell magnetic
carbon hybrid materials (Fe
3
O
4
@C) for remarkable
adsorptive desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), which have been
successfully prepared through hydrocarbonization of glucose on the
surface of Fe
3
O
4
and the subsequent pyrolyzation
process. The as-obtained Fe
3
O
4
@C retains amorphous
nature of carbon shells with a large surface area and displays an
increase of iron atoms as active sites under elevated pyrolyzation
temperature which is favorable in the adsorption of sulfur-containing
species through physical and chemical adsorption, respectively. We
investigate the adsorption capacity and efficiency of Fe
3
O
4
@C as a magnetically adsorbent for the removal of DBT
in model oils under various experimental conditions including the
adsorbent obtained at different temperatures, the amount of adsorbents,
the DBT initial concentration, the regeneration approach, as well
as the interference species. Our results demonstrated that the as-obtained
Fe
3
O
4
@C at 650 °C (Fe
3
O
4
@C-650) displays a remarkable estimated adsorption performance
(57.5 mg DBT/g for 200 ppmw), extraordinary high desulfurization efficiency
(99% for 200 ppmw), and a high selectivity for DBT compared with its
derivatives. Moreover, Fe
3
O
4
@C can be recovered
in a quite easy, economical, and eco-friendly manner by an external
magnet after five cycles without significant weight loss, which significantly
simplifies the operation procedure and favors the recycle of Fe
3
O
4
@C. Combined with the economic and eco-friendly
merits, Fe
3
O
4
@C offers a new avenue to employ
the magnetic carbon materials for industrial applications and provides
a promising substitute for adsorptive desulfurization in view of academic,
industrial, and environmental aspects.
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