Synthesis of metal-based ionic liquid supported catalyst and its application in catalytic oxidative desulfurization of fuels

• Supported IL with different loading of [Bmim]FeCl4 on silica gel were synthesized.
• [Bmim]FeCl4 IL was embedded in silica gel to get a heterogeneous catalyst.
• The amount of [Bmim]FeCl4 decreased sharply to reach deep desulfurization.
• The desulfurization system could be separated and recycled easily.
• The oxidation process of DBT was proved by GC–MS analysis.

Supported ionic liquid catalysts with different loading of [Bmim]FeCl4 embedded in silica gel were synthesized and characterized. The results demonstrated that ionic liquid [Bmim]FeCl4 was embedded in the silica gel successfully with no destruction to its structure. The amount of [Bmim]FeCl4 was decreased sharply in the extractive coupled with catalytic oxidative desulfurization (ECODS) system. The effects of various factors including amount of catalyst, reaction temperature, amount of oxidant, reaction time and solvents were studied on removal of DBT. The suitable reaction conditions were suggested: T = 30 °C, t = 1 h, m(Catalyst) = 0.05 g, n(H2O2)/n(DBT) = 4:1, V([Omim]BF4) = 1 mL. Meanwhile, the ECODS process of DBT was proved by GC–MS analysis. The activity of the desulfurization system was above 90% after recycling for 6 times.

[Bmim]FeCl4 was designed to embed in silica gel to get a heterogeneous catalyst. Suggested process of the extraction and catalytic oxidation of DBT.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide