The synthesis of nano-sized TS-1 zeolites under rotational crystallisation conditions can inhibit anatase formation

Hydrothermal synthesis is a typical method for the preparation of TS-1. In the current study, agitation was introduced during the crystallisation stage, and nano-sized TS-1 with little anatase TiO2 was successfully synthesised in a short time (1–8 h). Furthermore, under rotational crystallisation conditions, a series of TS-1 samples was prepared with different crystallisation times, and the products obtained were investigated as catalysts for the oxidative desulfurisation of thiophene from a model fuel. All samples were characterised utilising X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2-adsorption, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques. It was found that under rotational crystallisation conditions, nano-sized TS-1 could be synthesised in a short time that had improved efficiency for the oxidative desulfurisation reaction of thiophene in comparison with TS-1 synthesised by static crystallisation for 24 h.