Synthesis and characterization of iron-alumina composites as novel efficient photocatalysts for removal of DBT

Abstract

The content of sulfur compounds in diesel fuels is one of the main encountered drawbacks during the production process. Such compounds are generally of substantial, hazardous, and negative environmental impacts. Thus, the massive reduction of their content is recommended. Among these compounds, DBT is one of the most challenging compounds to be disposed of industrially via the HDS method. Therefore, this study presents the removal of such compounds using the oxidative-photocatalytic desulfurization technique. Three iron oxide doped alumina composites containing different weight percentages of iron (10–30%) were synthesized as novel photocatalysts. Structural characteristics of these composites were verified via X-ray diffraction (XRD) by detecting the indicative peaks for Fe2O3 and Al2O3. These composites' surface and optical properties could reveal their mesoporous nature and suitability as effective visible-light photocatalysts. These structures were next introduced to the process of DBT removal from a model diesel oil with a content of 1500 ppm at different operating conditions. The composite, which contains 20% iron oxide, was the most effective photocatalyst of DBT elimination. Specifically, 97% removal of sulfur content in the model diesel oil was successfully attained under visible-light irradiation source with a power of 500 W at a reaction time equals to 30 min, 1 g/L as photocatalyst dose and H2O2 to feed ratio of 1.5.