Deep aerobic oxidative desulfurization of model fuel by Anderson-type polyoxometalate catalysts

Anderson-type polyoxometalate (POM) catalysts were synthesized and applied for deep oxidative desulfurization of model fuel containing dibenzothiophene. O-2 contained in air was used as oxidant under mild conditions. The influence of the nature of central hetematom and that of the quaternary ammonium cation used on the conversion of DBT was investigated. For the first time to the best of our knowledge, the role of the solvent in aerobic oxidative desulfurization was investigated and the possible mechanism of DBT oxidation was suggested. It was shown that the key stage in the oxidation of the sulfur-containing compound is the generation of alkyl peroxides from the solvent.

Automated summary

Anderson-type polyoxometalate (POM) catalysts were synthesized and applied for deep oxidative desulfurization of model fuel containing dibenzothiophene. The role of solvent in aerobic oxidative desulfurization was investigated, showing that alkyl peroxides from the solvent could be the key stage in the oxidation of sulfur-containing compound. This study provides insights into the mechanism of oxidative desulfurization and the potential application of POM catalysts in sulfur removal from fuel.