Synthesis, characterization and desulfurization performance of MCM-41 functionalized with Cu by direct synthesis and organosilanes by grafting

Abstract

Cu-incorporated MCM-41 was prepared by the direct synthesis method. The Cu-incorporated MCM-41 was then organically functionalized by grafting of organosilanes followed by the complexation of copper ions. The results of powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and temperature-programmed reduction suggest the incorporation of Cu into the framework of MCM-41 during the direct synthesis process. The mesostructure of prepared samples is preserved after functionalization. The sulfur capacities for tert-butyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide decrease in the same order (40)Cu–M > (40)Cu–M–N–Cu. The (40)Cu–M synthesized through the direct synthesis method also shows better desulfurization performance than M–Cu prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method. This is attributed to the incorporated Cu species in the framework and well-dispersed CuO species of (40)Cu–M.