Room temperature oxidative desulfurization with MoO₃ subnanoclusters supported on MCM-41

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Oxidative desulfurization is crucial for reducing sulfur emissions from fuels.
• Developing efficient and recyclable catalysts is essential for sustainable desulfurization processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize subnanometer molybdenum trioxide supported on MCM-41 (MoO₃/MCM-41).
• To evaluate the catalytic performance of MoO₃/MCM-41 in the oxidative desulfurization of fuels.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of MoO₃/MCM-41 via doping ammonium heptamolybdate into MCM-41.
• Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HADDF-STEM), N₂ sorption, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy.
• Testing catalytic activity in oxidative desulfurization using *tert*-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant.

Main Results:

• Successful preparation of subnanometer MoO₃ nanoparticles dispersed on MCM-41.
• MoO₃/MCM-41 exhibited high catalytic activity in the oxidative desulfurization process.
• The catalyst demonstrated excellent recyclability, maintaining its performance over multiple cycles at room temperature.

Conclusions:

• Subnanometer MoO₃/MCM-41 is a highly effective catalyst for low-temperature oxidative desulfurization.
• The material's unique structure contributes to its outstanding catalytic performance and reusability.
• This study presents a promising approach for developing advanced catalysts for cleaner fuel production.