Oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene catalyzed by peroxotungstate on functionalized MCM-41 materials using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant

Catalysts play an important role in oxidative desulfurization, a promising process for producing cleaner fossil fuels for transport. A highly efficient catalyst, Q4-H2SeIV3W6, for the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was reported in 2011. To comprehensively evaluate this catalyst and better understand its recovery, two types of the catalyst were prepared by impregnating Q4-H2SeIV3W6 on MCM-41 and functionalized MCM-41 materials. In the oxidative desulfurization process catalyzed by these supported catalysts, the conversion of DBT reached 98.7%. The catalytic activities were excellent when Q4-H2SeIV3W6 was impregnated on functionalized MCM-41. The results showed that the supported catalysts had excellent reusability. In addition, a mechanism for the catalytic oxidative desulfurization was proposed.

Graphical AbstractIn the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), peroxotungstate was supported on functionalized MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves. The supported catalyst shows a highly catalytic ability and it also has a good reusability.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide