Catalytic oxidative desulfurization of model oil by TiO2 nanotubes prepared by electrochemical anodizing

The sulfur compounds in the fuels cause acid rain and emission of SOX in the air after fuel combustion, which are dangerous for human and environmental health. The oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process is able to deeply desulfurize aromatic sulfur compounds under mild conditions. In the ODS process, at the first stage, sulfur compounds are oxidized to the sulfones products by a proper catalyst and oxidant. Then, the sulfones are extracted from the oil phase by an extractive solvent or solidadsorbent [1-3]. In this research, the catalytic performance of the TiO2 nanotubes prepared by electrochemical anodizing method used to removal of DBT from a modeloil through ODS process. In order to identify the formation of DBT sulfone, GC-MASS analysis was used. The results indicated that the TiO2 nanotubes exhibited excellentcatalytic activity because of its unique structural and electronic properties.