Fabrication of photocatalytic composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/TiO2 and its application for desulfurization of diesel

Composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2) were prepared by a heterogeneous gelation method. The activities of the MWNTs/TiO2 composites were evaluated by photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization using dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), n-tetradecane, and commercial diesel under irradiation using a high-pressure Hg lamp. The microstructures of MWNTs/TiO2 composites were characterized by N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that more than 98% of sulfur compounds in commercial diesel were oxidized and removed by the use of the MWNTs/TiO2 composite as a photocatalyst.

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► MWNTs and TiO2 were mixed well, forming uniform microstructure in MWNTs/TiO2 composites.
► The combination of MWNTs and TiO2 contribute to improving photocatalytic activity of TiO2.
► MWNTs/TiO2 composite is an effective photo-catalyst for the removal of sulfur from commercial diesel.