Deep desulfurization of gasoline by synergistic effect of functionalized beta-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles with ionic liquid

In this study, the Ag elementary substance and beta-cyclodextrin were connected with the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles by coupling agent to synthesize functionalized beta-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles. A variety of characterization methods were used to show the characteristic of beta-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles. After that, the desulfurization of simulation the gasoline was tested by adding beta-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles in ionic liquids (ILs) with synergistic reaction. The desulfurization efficiency followed the order: pure ILs < TiO2/ILs < beta-CD-TiO2-Ag/ILs. Especially, when the sulfur content of the simulated oil in sample of 0.5 vol% beta-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles was nearly 0 ppm, the sulfide content of the sample of 0.5 vol% TiO2 nanoparticles was 425.62 ppm at room temperature. Meanwhile, the volume fractions of nanoparticles, experimental temperature and the desulfurization time have a corresponding impact on the desulfurization rate. Kinetics of desulfurization process was studied and the desulfurizing agent (ionic liquids with beta-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles) could be recycled and reused for five times with an unnoticeable decrease. Hence, our research is promising in gasoline desulfurization.