Immobilized fenton-like ionic liquid: Catalytic performance for oxidative desulfurization

MCM-41-supported Fenton-like ionic liquid catalysts were synthesized by the grafting method and applied in the removal of sulfur compounds in model oil. The structure and property of the catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectra, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, and N 2 adsorption-desorption. Results suggested that Fenton-like ionic liquid was supported on mesoporous material MCM-41. Different desulfurization systems were studied. The results indicated that at room-temperature (30°C) for 1 h, MCM-41-supported Fenton-like ionic liquid in extraction combined with catalytic oxidative desulfurization (ECODS) system showed a high catalytic activity with H 2 O 2 as the oxidant, and [Omim]BF 4 as the extractant. Different factors, such as temperature, the amount of H 2 O 2 , solvent, and different sulfur-containing compounds for sulfur removal were investigated. Through the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, dibenzothoiphene sulfone was proved to be the only product of dibenzothiophene oxidizing reaction. Furthermore, the process of ECODS was confirmed by GC-MS results. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J , 59: 4696–4704, 2013