Characterization and application of nano-alumina sorbents for desulfurization and dearomatization of Suez crude petrolatum

High surface area γ-alumina adsorbents (302–376 m2/g) were prepared by using different cationic surfactants in the presence of microwave irradiation. The adsorbents were characterized by DSC/TG, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, and HRTEM techniques. To evaluate the influence of the surface features of alumina on its activity, its adsorption capacity for aromatic and sulfur compounds from petroleum waxes, Suez crude petrolatum was used for this investigation. Results clearly indicated that nano-alumina materials showed high efficiency for removing aromatics and sulfur compounds from Suez crude petrolatum. In the same run, it completely removed di-aromatics especially for AN5 sample. This leads to an improvement for the physical properties of Suez crude petrolatum which has been widely used in many applications such as household chemicals as candles and polishes, pharmaceutical, cosmetic as lipsticks, building construction, paper, match, rubber and other industrial purposes.

► γ- alumina samples were prepared using different cationic surfactants.
► Microwave irradiation was used to reduce aging time.
► AN5 nanosorbent was considered to be selective adsorbent for di-aromatics.
► AN5 improved the properties of Suez crude petrolatum by removing sulfur and aromatics.