Mo-modified hierarchical FAU zeolite: A catalyst-adsorbent for oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil

In this study, highly crystalline hierarchical FAU zeolite was prepared and activated by MoO3 (Meso-Mo-FAU) for oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of fuel oils. Various characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, NH3- TPD, TGA/DTA, EDS mapping, FT-IR and N-2 sorption were employed to identify the structural properties of the catalyst and supposed mechanism of the ODS process. The effects of different parameters on the efficiency of the ODS system were examined. The results revealed that Meso-Mo-FAU with 19 wt.% molybdenum exhibited high catalytic activity at 70 degrees C. Moreover, the structural stability and reusability of the catalyst were conveniently investigated. Hot filtration test confirmed the spent catalyst after six ODS cycles had a robust heterogeneous nature due to no leaching of Mo species into the reaction medium. Furthermore, 99.83% ODS efficiency for real gasoline made an impressive view of this desulfurization system, including catalyst-adsorbent Meso-Mo-FAU, for industrial application.

Automated summary

In this study, highly crystalline hierarchical FAU zeolite was prepared and activated by MoO3 for oxidative desulfurization of fuel oils. Various characterization techniques were employed to identify the structural properties of the catalyst and the mechanism of the ODS process. The results showed that Meso-Mo-FAU with 19 wt.% molybdenum exhibited high catalytic activity at 70 degrees C, and the spent catalyst had a robust heterogeneous nature.