Study on Modification and Desulfurization Performance of a Molybdenum-Based Catalyst

• Published in: Energy & fuels 2019-09, Vol.33 (9), p.8503-8510
• Main Authors: Tu, Yuming, Li, Tenghui, Yu, Guojia, Wei, Lu, Ta, La, Zhou, Zhiyong, Ren, Zhongqi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0887-0624; 1520-5029
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b02132

This study reports highly efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) over Na and Ce relatively modified MoO3/SBA-15 catalysts using H2O2 as an oxidant. The relevant parameters, that is, temperature, reaction time, catalyst, and oxidant dosage on oxidation performance were studied. Results revealed that a remarkably high DBT conversion of 94% was obtained within 60 min utilizing 10 mL of sample of 500 ppm, 0.02 g Na–MoO3/SBA-15 catalyst at 60 °C, and n(O)/n(S) value of 8. Under the same reaction condition, a DBT conversion of 96% was achieved by using the Ce–MoO3/SBA-15 catalyst. Moreover, the stability of modified catalysts was further improved compared with the MoO3/SBA-15 catalyst. Catalysts were characterized by a series of tests such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which helped in evaluating the catalytic activity results. Corresponding results indicated that the modification of Na or Ce can improve the dispersion of active Mo species. The synergistic effect was observed between Na (or Ce) and Mo that can further improve the activity and stability of the Mo-based catalyst, which promotes the application of the molybdenum-based catalyst on ODS.