Simultaneous desulfurization and denitrogenation of diesel over Er/W-N-TiO2 photocatalyst

Designing an efficient photocatalyst for desulfurization with simultaneous denitrogenation is essential for producing clean diesel fuel. In this paper, we prepared a photocatalyst with high desulfurization and denitrogenation activities by Er, W, and N co-doping modification of TiO2. Some influences of metal content, reaction time and temperature, basic nitride content and species, catalyst amount, and stability of the catalyst on desulfurization and denitrogenation were considered. Experimental results showed the desulfurization ratio was 100%, and the denitrogenation ratio was also 100% under the suitable conditions. The TOF of thiophene, benzonthiophene, and 4, 6- DMDBT reached 33.1, 34.2, and 36.2, respectively. The results of PL, UV-vis, and EPR showed that the co-doping of Er, W, and N extended the photo-absorption range and improved the hole-electron separation of TiO2 when the content of Er and W was 1.6% and 1.0%, respectively. This might be because the co-doping of Er, W, and N increased oxygen vacancies and defects on the catalytic surface, formed lower gap energy, and transfered and reserved electrons more quickly under visible light. Also, the photocatalytic mechanism of Er/W-N-TiO2 was proposed in the present work.

Automated summary

This study prepared a photocatalyst with high desulfurization and denitrogenation activities by Er, W, and N co-doping modification of TiO2. Experimental results showed that the desulfurization and denitrogenation ratios were both 100% under suitable conditions. The co-doping of Er, W, and N extended the photo-absorption range and improved the hole-electron separation of TiO2.