Ionic liquid-supported 3DOM silica for efficient heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization

Abstract

It is vital to develop efficient catalysts for desulfurization in fuels, reducing the pollution caused by sulfur oxides. In this study, polyoxometalate-based ionic liquid supported three-dimensionally ordered macroporous silica (IL-3DOM SiO₂) was successfully prepared for heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization of aromatic sulfur compounds. The as-prepared material was characterized using FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and BET analysis, exhibiting a large pore size and a high specific surface area. The hybrid material with a 3DOM structure exhibited excellent desulfurization performance on aromatic sulfur compounds under mild conditions. Furthermore, no obvious decrease in activity was observed after seventeen cycles, revealing a good stability of the hybrid material. The as-prepared IL-3DOM SiO₂ is an ideal candidate for applications in the future desulfurization industry.