Synthesis, characterization and operation of a functionalized multi-walled CNT supported MnOx nanocatalyst for deep oxidative desulfurization of sour petroleum fractions

•A FMWCNT supported MnOx nanocatalyst to enhance the ODS process is synthesized.•The synthesized nanocatalyst is characterized by FTIR, TEM, XRD and H2-TPR techniques.•At 25 °C sulfur removal efficiency is 99.85% after 30 min for the case of sour naphtha.•The ODS process using fabricated nanocatalyst leads to a substantial cost reduction.

In order to meet the approved sulfur emission standards, it is necessary to develop alternative methods for deep desulfurization of fuels and sour petroleum fractions. In this work a functionalized multi-walled CNT supported MnOx nanocatalyst (MnOx/FMWNT) has been synthesized and its performance to enhance the efficiency of oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process for deep desulfurization of sour naphtha has been investigated. The synthesized MnOx/FMWNT heterogeneous nanocatalyst shows excellent performance regarding the oxidation of sulfur impurities in naphtha petroleum cut to corresponding sulfones. The synthesized catalyst is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) methods. The performance test of the synthesized nanocatalyst at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure indicates a sulfur removal efficiency of 99.85% within 30 min. The proposed ODS technique allows a substantial cost reduction as compared to existing energy intensive desulfurization processes and can be used for establishing the new large scale catalytic reactors for deep desulfurization of petroleum fractions.