Adsorptive denitrogenation of model fuels with porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): Effect of acidity and basicity of MOFs

To understand the effect of the acidity or basicity of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on the adsorptive removal of nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs), an MOF (MIL-100(Cr)) was modified to impart acidity or basicity onto the MOFs. The modification was done by grafting ethylenediamine and aminomethanesulfonic acid onto coordinatively unsaturated sites of the MOF, MIL-100(Cr). The adsorptive removal of a basic quinoline or benzothiophene can be improved noticeably, especially at low concentrations, with the introduction of an acidic site; however, a basic MOF causes a severe decrease in the adsorptive performance for a basic adsorbate such as quinoline. The effect of the interaction of the base–base on adsorption was more severe or detrimental for a hard base quinoline than for a soft base benzothiophene. Functionalized MOFs show a slightly decreased adsorption for a neutral adsorbate such as indole probably because of the decreased porosity of the MOFs compared with the virgin MOF without functionalization. Moreover, a functionalized MOF (with SO3H group) can be used several times after simple washing with acetone. From the present research, it may be concluded that acid–base interactions between NCCs and MOFs will lead to favorable adsorptive removal of NCCs. However, for the adsorptive removal of a neutral adsorbate such as indole, another adsorption mechanism (such as π-complexation or hydrogen-bonding) is needed for high uptake and efficient removal.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Acid sites of MOFs have a beneficial effect on adsorptive denitrogenation of fuels.
► Acid–base interaction may control efficiency of adsorption of N/S-compounds.
► MOFs can be easily modified with grafting to impart acidity or basicity.