Graphene wrapped phthalocyanine: Enhanced oxidative desulfurization for dibenzothiophene in fuel

Graphene wrapped metal phthalocyanine (MPc/RGO, M = Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) composites are synthesized by a facile ‘in situ hydrothermal’ method, using graphene oxide, M (CH3COO)2 and phthalic anhydride as the precursors. A biomimetic catalytic system of MPc/RGO and molecular O2 have high activity for ultra‐deep removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in model oil containing n‐octane. Compared with pure graphene oxide and MPc, MPc/RGO composites displayed highly enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidation of dibenzothiophene in n‐octane. The conversion ratio of DBT was up to 97.51% after 180 min treatment at 60 °C and atmospheric pressure. The photostability of RGO/MPc composites photocatalystic degradation of dibenzothiophene was investigated. Mechanistic studies revealed that the RGO/MPc − O2· species were the main active intermediate via the π‐π stacking interaction of MPc and RGO. The RGO wrapped phthalocyanine materials offer great potential as active photocatalysts for degradation of thiophene derivatives in fuel. Graphene wrapped metal phthalocyanine (MPc/RGO, M= Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) composites are synthesized by a facile “in situ hydrothermal” method. Compared with pure graphene oxide and MPc, MPc/RGO composites displayed highly enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidation of dibenzothiophene in n‐octane. The conversion ratio of DBT was up to 97.51% after 180 min treatment at 60°C and atmospheric pressure.