Amorphous Nitrogen-Doped Vanadium Oxide on Graphene for Enhanced Aerobic Oxidative Desulfurization of Fuels

Abstract

Aerobic oxidative desulfurization (AODS) promises an emerging method for deep sulfur removal of fuel oil, which requires high-performance catalysts to cost-effectively convert thiophenes into sulfones. In this paper, we report the fabrication of a highly efficient and durable AODS catalyst by loading N-doped amorphous vanadium oxide on reduced graphene oxide via high-temperature ammonia (NH3) treatment. The morphology, phase state, element electronic state, and catalytic performance of the catalysts at different calcination temperatures were systematically studied. The phase transition principle of vanadium species at different ammoniation temperatures as well as its effect on the catalytic performance was revealed. The optimal catalyst ammoniated at 400 °C achieved rapid and full conversion of various thiophenes under the reaction condition of 90–120 °C and normal pressure using air as the oxygen source, showing excellent activity. Moreover, the catalyst maintained its activity after six repeated uses and is expected to act as a cost-efficient and robust catalyst for AODS.