Adsorptive
desulfurization is a promising alternative to hydrodesulfurization
for minimizing harmful sulfur emissions from hydrocarbon fuels. Cu
in Y zeolite (CuY) has shown effective sulfur adsorption, especially
when paired with Ce (CuCeY). This study explores other rare earths
(REs), including La, Sm, and Nd, in RE and CuRE Y and mesoporous Y
(SAY) zeolites for the adsorption of benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene
(DBT). Metal loadings on the zeolites were quantified by using inductively
coupled plasma optic emission spectroscopy (ICP-EOS) and X-ray fluorescence
(XRF). Characteristic adsorption modes, such as σ-bonding and
π-complexation, were observed by using Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) Rietveld refinement determined
that RE ions prefer the sodalite cages of Y zeolite, while Cu occupies
supercage sites. Ce showed the strongest synergy with Cu compared
to the other REs and the highest adsorption capacity. The results
of this study provide insight into the role of RE exchanged Y on sulfur
adsorption.