Iso-Polyoxometalate [Mo8O26]4– (Mo8) Supported with Mesoporous Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN): A Green and Efficient Composite Catalyst for Ultradeep Desulfurization of Model Fuel at Room Temperature

The development of stable and efficient ODS catalysts for achieving room-temperature catalytic oxidation desulfurization is one of the challenges in the field of catalytic oxidation desulfurization. This work successfully synthesized and evaluated a new type of composite catalyst, Mo8/h-BN, using the wet impregnation method to investigate its desulfurization performance under various conditions. ODS tests were conducted on DBT, BT, and 4,6-DMDBT using Mo8/h-BN as the catalyst, H2O2 as the oxidant, and [BMIM]PF6 as the extractant. Characterization and testing revealed that Mo8/h-BN exhibited excellent ODS activity, converting DBT completely at 60 °C in 10 min. This study not only explored the optimal desulfurization conditions but also investigated the desulfurization performance of the catalyst at room temperature. Additionally, it is speculated that there may be an electron transfer between Mo8 and h-BN, which enhances the stability of the catalyst. Finally, possible CODS mechanisms were inferred through GC-MS and free radical trapping experiments. In conclusion, the composite catalyst Mo8/h-BN provides a new pathway for developing low-energy consumption, sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient desulfurization catalysts.