Porous aromatic frameworks modified
by sulfonic groups were synthesized
and, for the first time, applied for the oxidative desulfurization
of a model and a real fuel. The main factors affecting the process
including the catalyst dosage, temperature, reaction time, oxidant
dosage, and hydrogen peroxide concentration were investigated in detail.
Under optimal conditions, dibenzothiophene (DBT) was removed completely.
It was shown that the synthesized catalysts reduced the sulfur content
in the straight-run gasoline fraction up to ultra-low values (7 ppm).
Fuel fractions and their oxidation products were analyzed by two-dimensional
gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection.
No byproducts of hydrocarbon oxidation were found, which confirms
the high selectivity of oxidation in the presence of synthesized catalysts.
These catalysts retain their activity in DBT oxidation for at least
five cycles.