Mesoporous nanosilica-supported polyoxomolybdate as catalysts for sustainable desulfurization

authors	Mirante, F; Gomes, N; Branco, LC; Cunha-Silva, L; Almeida, PL; Pillinger, M; Gago, S; Granadeiro, CM; Balula, SS
nationality	International
journal	MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
author keywords	Mesoporous silica nanoparticles; Polyoxomolybdate; Heterogeneous catalysis; Oxidative desulfurization; Fuels
keywords	AEROBIC OXIDATIVE DESULFURIZATION; SILICA NANOPARTICLES; IONIC LIQUID; DEEP DESULFURIZATION; EFFICIENT CATALYSTS; MODEL DIESEL; POLYOXOMETALATE; SYSTEM; REAL; DIBENZOTHIOPHENE
abstract	Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) strategically functionalized were used to immobilize a homogeneous polyoxomolybdate catalyst [PMo12O40](3-) (PMo12), active but unstable. The PMo12@TBA-MSN composite (where TBA refers to surface-tethered tributylammonium groups) conferred high stability to the polyoxomolybdate catalytic center and displayed an increase in efficiency for the oxidative desulfurization (ECODS) of a diesel simulant under sustainable conditions (using H2O2 as oxidant and an ionic liquid, [BMIM]PF6, as solvent). Continuous reuse of the catalyst and ionic liquid solvent in consecutive ECODS cycles was successfully performed, avoiding the production of residual wastes. The performance of the PMo12@TBA-MSN catalyst improved upon its reuse, leading to complete desulfurization of a multicomponent model diesel containing benzothiophene derivatives after just 1 h of the catalytic stage of the process. The robust nature of the supported catalyst was indicated by characterization of the recovered solid which showed retention of the structural and chemical integrities.
publisher	ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
issn	1387-1811
isbn	1873-3093
year published	2019
volume	275
beginning page	163
ending page	171
digital object identifier (doi)	10.1016/j.micromeso.2018.07.036
web of science category	Chemistry, Applied; Chemistry, Physical; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
subject category	Chemistry; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Materials Science
unique article identifier	WOS:000452942500019