Amino acids assisted hydrothermal synthesis of W-type SrFe18O27 nanostructures; a potential hydrodesulfurization catalyst

Abstract

Upon fuel combustion, sulfur oxides are emitted, causing a very harmful sour. Although industrial catalysts are recently used to remove most organosulfurs, but it still remains as a major challenge for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of saturated organosulfur analogs. Here we show the method for preparation of W-type hexagonal ferrites, SrFe18O27 nanoparticles using various amino acids (Valine, Cysteine and Glutamine) after thermal treatment. However, a pure sample with homogeneous texture obtains in Valine, which is well-matched with JCPDS 34–1366. Moreover, the band formation - two bands at 555 cm−1 and 603 cm−1 -, elemental analysis, and repetitive and regular lattice structure of the sample support the pure and orderly formation of the W-type SrFe18O27 nanoparticles. The SrFe18O27 nanoparticles with uniform texture are crucial for achieving highly active and efficient hydrodesulfurization catalysts. Utilizing reaction variables such as temperature, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), catalyst concentration and H2/oil ratio we determine the activity of SrFe18O27 nanoparticles in a typical hydrodesulfurization process. The activity towards desulfurization, the W-type SrFe18O27 nanoparticles have shown reasonable activity towards organosulfur in gasoline at moderate reaction conditions (9 MPa, 380 °C, and LHSV 2 h−1). Furthermore, the kinetic models (Power Low model and Langmuir-Hinshelwood) confirm that the HDS reaction is irreversible in an exothermic reaction profile. Owing to unique structure and properties, an attempt has been developed to utilize SrFe18O27 nanoparticles as a novel catalyst for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) in a micro-trickle bed reactor. The results reveal that the W-type SrFe18O27 nanoparticles can foster the development of low-cost nanocatalysts based on mixed metal oxides as a promising catalyst for hydrodesulfurization.