Dual noble-metal-free cocatalysts on cobalt nickel oxide nanocages for boosting photocatalytic oxidation desulfurization

Abstract

Photocatalytic aerobic oxidative desulfurization (PAODS) has attracted widespread attention as a sustainable fuel desulfurization method, but the photocatalysts reported so far still suffer from slow sulfide conversion kinetics. Here we propose a MoO_x and NiCoP co-decorated on CoNiO₂ hollow nanocage (MoO_x/P-CoNiO₂) catalyst for boosting the PAODS reactions. The photocatalyst exhibits remarkable photocatalytic activity in oxidizing dibenzothiophene (DBT), attaining a mass activity ratio of 10.4 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and exhibiting excellent repeatability. The strategic incorporation of MoO_x and NiCoP as dual cocatalysts significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency by facilitating efficient charge separation, enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and providing active sites for oxidizing refractory sulfur compounds. In real diesel desulfurization tests, the catalyst reduced sulfur content from 559.3 ppm to below 10 ppm, meeting the most stringent transportation diesel standards, highlighting its practical applicability for deep desulfurization in industrial settings.