Abstract:
A novel catalyst termed K6P2W18O62·nH2O@fHNTs was synthesized and optimized for
the photo-oxidative desulphurization of model fuel oil. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)
were subject to functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and
subsequently utilized as a substrate to immobilize K6P2W18O62·nH2O. FTIR, XRD, and
SEM analysis confirm the electrostatic interaction between K6P2W18O62·nH2O and the
functionalized halloysite nanotubes.
Photo-oxidative desulphurization process was conducted using light as an energy
source, acetonitrile as the extracting agent and H2O2 as an oxidant. The optimization of
reaction variables, including reaction time (15-45 min), temperature (40-70 °C), and
catalyst dosage (0.05-0.1 g) using the Box-Bhenken method. The optimal conditions
were determined to be 70°C, 0.1 g, and 30 min, resulting in a desulfurization efficiency
of 91.51%.
The catalyst exhibited excellent recyclability, maintaining a stable desulphurization rate
over seven consecutive cycles. This research highlights the potential of
K6P2W18O62·nH2O@fHNTs as an effective and reproducible catalyst for the process of
photo-oxidative degradation of sulfur, offering promise for the development of cleaner
and more sustainable fuel technologies.
