Oxidative Desulfurization Using MoO₃ as Recyclable and Efficient Nanocatalyst

Abstract

Gathering clean energy from fuel feedstocks is of paramount significance in environmental science. In this area, desulfurization provides a valuable contribution by eliminating sulfur compounds from fuel feedstocks to ensure they can be used without emission of toxic sulfur oxides. MoO3 nanoparticles have been hydrothermally synthesized and used as efficient catalyst in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of methylphenyl and diphenyl sulfide using TBHP or H2O2 as oxidant. The catalyst showed an enhancement in the ODS process of the two substrates revealing influence on the reaction rate and product selectivity. Temperature and solvent influenced the conversion for the desired product as well. The activity of the catalyst was stable for at least 3 continuous catalytic cycles. Catalytic performance of MoO3 nanomaterial was comparable or better than other catalysts reported in the literature in terms of the sulfoxide or sulfone yield.

Engineering surface framework TiO6 single sites for unprecedented deep oxidative desulfurization

“…Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory were first conducted to investigate the mechanism of the ODS reaction over framework TiO 6 and TiO 4 sites. DMDBT has been selected as a model reactant molecule of ODS while tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP, (CH 3 ) 3 COOH) is used as the oxidant because it is oil-soluble, highly oxidative, thermostable (>80°C) and used for industrial continuous processes [ 22–24 ]. As shown in Fig.…”

Assessment of Reaction Parameters in the Oxidative Desulfurization Reaction

“…The influence of the solvent on the reaction was further explored, and it was found that the hydrogen-bonding nature of the solvent played a role in the reaction kinetics, with acetonitrile retarding the reaction while dichloromethane did not. 124 ILs are types of solvents that possess unique characteristics that can be modified by altering their organic cation and inorganic or organic anion. Recent research has focused on the application of ILs in ODS reactions, resulting in numerous published papers.…”

“…While the product selectivity improved considerably, the reaction kinetics in dichloromethane were found to be faster than those in acetonitrile, despite achieving a lower substrate conversion. The influence of the solvent on the reaction was further explored, and it was found that the hydrogen-bonding nature of the solvent played a role in the reaction kinetics, with acetonitrile retarding the reaction while dichloromethane did not …”