Copper-containing porous carbon derived from MOF-199 for dibenzothiophene adsorption

Abstract

A novel type of copper-containing porous carbon has been synthesized by filling the pores of MOF-199 hard template with furfuryl alcohol as carbon precursor, followed by carbonization and activation for the first time. The textural properties of the as-prepared carbon material were proven by examinations with XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP, XPS and N₂ adsorption. The adsorption performance of dibenzothiophene in three types of model oils was investigated by batch tests. The equilibrium data was best represented by the Langmuir isotherm model, showing a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 59 μg g⁻¹, which was much higher than some other adsorbents reported in the literature. Considering all the advantages, the as-prepared copper-containing porous carbon shows promising potential for practical deep desulfurization, especially for thiophenic compound removal.