Editor's choice paperSynthesis of PW11Sn/TiO2 nanofibre catalytic materials with tunable rutile/anatase phase and application in ultra-deep desulfurization

PW11Sn/TiO2 (PW11Sn = (OTA)3PW11SnO39, OTA = octadecyl trimethyl ammonium) nanofibres with tunable rutile/anatase phase have been successfully prepared via combining with electrospinning and hydrothermal method. The crystal phase of TiO2 was influenced by the loading amount of PW11Sn and the desulfurization efficiency was related with the crystal phase of TiO2. When the loading amount of PW11Sn on TiO2 nanofibres was 50%, DBT could be completely removed using 0.02 g PW11Sn/TiO2 nanofibres as catalysts and [Bmim]PF6 as extraction agent at 60 °C within 20 min, when O/S value was 6:1. Furthermore, the influences of different morphologies and preparation methods for catalysts on desulfurization efficiencies were investigated in detail. This catalyst can be recovered easily and reused at least 7 times maintaining the catalytic activity. For different substrates, the efficiencies of sulfur removal decreased as the following orders: DBT > 4,6-DMDBT > BT under the same conditions. Finally, the mechanism of desulfurization was also elucidated.