Dual promotion effects of amorphous ZSM-5 on Mo-V-O catalyzing aerobic oxidation desulfurization

Amorphous ZSM-5 was facilely synthesized by simply tuning the aqua ammonia amount and used as support of Mo-V-O for aerobic oxidation desulfurization. It was found that both geometric and electronic effects help to enhance the catalytic performance. Geometrically, the amorphous ZSM-5 could better disperse the metals due to its higher specific area. Electronically, the amorphous ZSM-5 could enable V to enrich electrons availing for oxygen activation to superoxide radical thanks to its low work function. The superoxide radical combines with Mo to form peroxide and then oxidize the sulfur-containing substrates. 100% desulfurization can be realized at 80°C for model oil with sulfur content of 500 ppm over the amorphous ZSM-5 supported Mo-V-O catalyst. This study provides inspiration for designing efficient catalysts for aerobic oxidation desulfurization.