Desulfurization of jet fuel by pi-complexation adsorption with metal halides supported on MCM-41 and SBA-15 mesoporous materials

Desulfurization of a JP-5 light fraction (841 ppmw S) for fuel cell applications was achieved by pi-complexation adsorption with CuCl and PdCl2 supported on the MCM-41 and SBA-15 mesoporous materials. CuCl/MCM-41, PdCl2/MCM-41, CuCl/SBA-15 and PdCl2/SBA-15 sorbents were prepared with spontaneous monolayer dispersion of metal halides onto surfaces of supports. These sorbents were characterized with XRD, N-2 physical adsorption and CO chemisorption. The results showed that the mesoporous structures remained in the supported sorbents. Desulfurization of JP-5 light fraction with these sorbents was investigated at room temperature. PdCl2/SBA-15 showed by far the highest capacity of selective sulfur adsorption among all known sorbents, and the significant breakthrough occurred at about 50.0ml/g for desulfurization of JP-5 light fraction. The total sulfur content of JP-5 light fraction can be reduced from 841 ppmw S to below 50.0 ppmw S. The spent PdCl2/SBA-15 was regenerated by purge with benzene at 70 degrees C, and the regenerated PdCl2/SBA-15 was tested again for the desulfurization. The results showed that about 44% and 48% of the sulfur capacity were recovered at breakthrough and saturation, respectively. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.