Ultra-deep removal of thiophene compounds in diesel oil over catalyst TiO2/Ni-ZSM-5 assisted by ultraviolet irradiating

► Ultra-deep removal of thiophene compounds assisted by UV was developed. ► Removal rates of TH, BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT reached 99.8%, 98.6%, 99.8% and 99.5%, respectively. ► ZSM-5 zeolite was modified by Ti and Ni was used as the photocatalyst.