Synthesis of TS-1 on porous glass beads for catalytic oxidative desulfurization

Porous glass supported with titanium silicalite (TS-1) particles were successfully prepared and used for oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT). Uniform-sized TS-1 particles were homogeneously dispersed on the surface of the porous glass beads. Effects of reaction duration, catalyst content, initial concentration, oxidant amount, and temperature on conversions were investigated. The prepared catalysts showed excellent catalytic performance. The optimal mole ratio of oxidant-to-DBT was 10 or 15. Complete conversion was obtained within 3   min at 343   K using catalyst with Ti content of 0.507   wt.%. Compared with other studies, the space–time yield was increased by one order of magnitude without any addition of solvent or metal nanoparticles. Experimental results and computer simulations revealed that the coordinated state of Ti species has a key role in the catalytic activity. Spent catalyst would be regenerated by heating at high temperature, no decrease was observed in catalytic activity after three cycles.