Oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene and diesel over [Bmim]3PMo12O40

Graphical abstract [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 /SiO2 , which is amphiphilic, exhibits high catalytic performance in the oxidation of dibenzothiophene and a real diesel. Quinoline and carbazole show slight promoting effects, whereas indole strongly inhibits the oxidation. Display Omitted Research highlights [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 /SiO2 is an outstanding catalyst in oxidative desulfurization. The aqueous phase adsorbs on catalyst particles, which work like microreactors. The aqueous phase and solid catalyst are separated simultaneously from oil phase. The dried spent catalyst was reused for seven runs without deactivation. Nitrogen compounds may have positive or negative effects. A hybrid material ([Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 ) was synthesized by reacting H3 PMo12 O40 with the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide. SiO2 -supported [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 showed a high catalytic activity in the oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) with 29% H2 O2 aqueous solution as the oxidant. Maximum activity was observed at a loading of 20 wt.% [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 on SiO2 , and 100% DBT conversion was achieved at 60°C, atmospheric pressure, and an oxygen to sulfur (O/S) molar ratio of 3.0 in 100min. The high performance of [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 /SiO2 might be attributable to its amphiphilicity, which enhances adsorption of both H2 O2 and sulfur-containing compounds. [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 /SiO2 could be easily separated by centrifugation and reused without deactivation after seven runs. Quinoline and carbazole had slightly positive effects on DBT oxidation, whereas indole had a negative effect. The high performance of [Bmim]3 PMo12 O40 was verified in the sulfur removal from a real diesel by means of oxidation followed by dimethylformamide extraction. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]