Electrospinning synthesis of H3PW12O40/TiO2 nanofiber catalytic materials and their application in ultra-deep desulfurization

H 3 PW 12 O 40 /TiO 2 (abbreviated PW 12 /TiO 2 ) nanofibers catalysts have been successfully prepared via calcinating off the respective electrospun PVP/[PW 12   +   Ti(OC 4 H 9 ) 4 ] composite nanofibers for the first time and they show ultra-deep desulfurization catalytic performance in mild conditions. PW 12 /TiO 2 nanofibers consist of anatase phase TiO 2 and Keggin structure PW 12 , the diameter of which is approximately 100   nm. Compared with PW 12 /TiO 2 nanoparticles, 40   wt.% PW 12 /TiO 2 nanofibers (the weight percentage of PW 12 loading on TiO 2 nanofibers was 40%) exhibited the higher catalytic activity under the same conditions. DBT could be removed completely within 30   min at 70   °C using 0.02   g 40   wt.% PW 12 /TiO 2 nanofibers as catalysts, when ionic liquid (IL) [Bmim]PF 6 was as extraction agent. Additionally, sulfur removal of different substrates decreased in the following orders: DBT   >   BT   >   4,6-DMDBT under the same conditions. Even after 5-times recycling, the catalytic activity of 40   wt.% PW 12 /TiO 2 nanofibers was not significant decreased. As a total result, these novel PW 12 /TiO 2 nanofibers can be used to deeply desulfurize in the industry.