Synthesis of acrylamide-copper oxide hybrid structure as a novel photocatalyst for visible-light induced desulphurisation of petroleum diesel fuel

Abstract

ABSTRACT Extreme reduction of sulphur compounds in diesel fuels is a crucial step during their production to help in protecting the environment from harmful emissions. Additionally, using a cost-effective process for such purpose is economically favourable. In agreement with these aspects, this study introduces production of low-sulphur diesel fuel through a photocatalytic route under effect of visible light. Hybrid structures made of combining polymerised acrylamide derivatives and copper oxide are presented as novel photocatalysts during this research work. Significant enhancements in the desulphurisation degrees by these photocatalysts could be achieved via using the acrylamide derivatives as polymers compared to their corresponding monomers. Notably, diesel fuel with a reduced sulphur content of exactly 2500 ppm, corresponds to 20 Wt. % of the original feedstock (12500 ppm), could be obtained by poly acrylamide/CuO composite. This content of sulphur compounds was further reduced to 440 ppm, referring to a total sulphur removal of 96.5%, via applying three successive photocatalytic stages at optimum operating conditions. The attainment of high percentages of desulphurisation by such composite is due to its content of electron donor atoms which enhanced overall photocatalytic performances.