Synthesis and characterization of new nanocomposite Cu6W18O70⊂CuFe2O4 as an efficient nanocatalyst for oxidative desulfurization of real and model gasoline

Abstract

The primary objective of this investigation was to develop a new nanocatalyst that could produce materials with a lower sulfur content, thereby reducing its environmental harm. To achieve this, the researchers used the sol-gel method to synthesize a heterogeneous nanocatalyst by attaching sandwich-type polyoxotungstate [(CuW₉O₃₄)₂Cu₄(H₂O)₂⁻¹⁰] (denoted as Cu₆W₁₈O₇₀) clusters on the surface of copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄ NPs). To characterize the nanocatalyst, several analysis techniques were employed, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The oxidative desulfurization of hazardous sulfur-containing real and model fuel oils was effectively catalyzed by the Cu₆W₁₈O₇₀⊂CuFe₂O₄ nanocatalyst. According to the experimental findings, the best efficiencies in oxidation reaction were achieved in 1 h contracting time at 35°C, which was as high as 95%. The Cu₆W₁₈O₇₀⊂CuFe₂O₄ nanocatalyst exhibited impressive removal rates (%) on dibenzothiophene (C₁₂H₈S), benzothiophene (C₈H₆S), and thiophene (C₄H₄S) of model fuels, with figures reaching 97%, 96% and, 96% respectively. Furthermore, multiple recycling of the uniform nanocatalyst can be achieved effortlessly through filtration, without experiencing any notable decline in activity. Therefore, the authors suggest that this study will pave the way for the widely used mentioned nanocatalyst in the practical and workable organization of petroleum fractions.