Rapid functionalization of as-synthesized KIT-6 with nickel species occluded with template for adsorptive desulfurization

• Nickel based as-synthesized KIT-6 (Ni-KIT-6) was synthesized by solid-state grinding.
• Silanols and micro environment promoted high dispersion of nickel species.
• Ni-KIT-6 showed high desulfurization activity for desulfurization of fuels.
• Desulfurization capacity depended on the dispersion degree of nickel species.
• 100% of adsorptive desulfurization capacity of the spent Ni-KIT-6 can be recovered.

Nickel-containing mesoporous silica, Ni-KIT-6, was prepared by directly grinding nickel nitrate into the as-synthesized KIT-6 occluded with template for adsorptive desulfurization of fuels. The obtained materials were well-characterized by N2 adsorption, XRD, HRTEM, H2-TPR, FT-IR, XPS and TG/DTG. The results reveal that the abundant silanols, as well as the confined space between silica walls and template in as-synthesized KIT-6 are highly efficient in dispersing large amount of nickel oxide in the channels of mesoporous silica. Compared with the material synthesized using calcined KIT-6, Ni-KIT-6 demonstrates extremely smaller Ni particles on the support, stronger interaction of Ni with silica matrix and higher content of active Ni0 in the KIT-6. As a result, the adsorptive desulfurization performance of Ni-KIT-6, both in commercial and model fuels was enhanced. The present strategy not only saves time and energy, but also allows template removal and precursor conversion in one step instead of repeated calcinations in conventional methods. After regeneration of spent sorbent, approximately 100% of adsorption capacity was recovered.

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