Efficient electro-catalytic desulfurization by in-situ oxidant generation
Yang Cao, Shilong Zhou, Linlin Chen, Yan Huang, Hui Liu, Yiru Zou, Peiwen Wu, Haiyan Ji, Wenshuai Zhu, Chunming Xu
Abstract
In this study, we present an extraction-coupled electro-catalytic oxidative desulfurization (EC-EODS) system that achieves efficient sulfur removal from fuel oils without external oxidants. The system utilizes an electrolyte composed of ionic liquids (ILs), NaCl, and H 2 SO 4 , integrating extraction and electrochemical oxidation to effectively remove different aromatic sulfur compounds with sulfur removals of 100%. Additionally, H 2 is co-produced at the cathode, supporting refinery processes and reducing H 2 storage and transportation costs, thereby improving economic viability. Detailed mechanism analysis shows that IL selectively extracts and concentrates sulfur compounds, while NaCl and H 2 SO 4 facilitate ClO - generation, serving as the in-situ oxidant. The EC-EODS system operates without external catalysts, relying on graphite electrodes that generate superoxide radicals from ClO - . Moreover, a strategy for the separation of desulfurization products as well as the electrolyte is proposed as well. The EC-EODS system offers a sustainable, high-efficiency strategy for desulfurization, with economic benefits through sulfur oxidation and H 2 co-generation.