A novel disposal approach of deactivated resin catalyst for methyl tert-butyl ether synthesis: Preparation of low-cost activated carbons with remarkable performance on dibenzothiophene adsorption

Abstract

In this research, low-cost activated carbons (ACs) derived from deactivated resin catalyst (DRC) for methyl tert-butyl ether synthesis were successfully prepared through carbonization and subsequent steam activation or KOH activation. Differences in physical and chemical properties of ACs and their performance on dibenzothiophene (DBT) adsorption from model fuel were investigated systematically. AC prepared by KOH activation (KSAC) has abundant micropores, whereas mesopores are the major part of AC prepared by steam activation (HSAC). Both KSAC and HSAC have few acidic groups, in accordance with their oxygen content. DBT adsorption performance is dependent largely on physical properties. The maximum adsorption capacity (16.1mgS/g at 100ppmS) and the longest breakthrough time (16h, 10h−1WHSV) were observed for KSAC.