Optimization of dispersed carbon nanoparticles synthesis for rapid desulfurization of liquid fuel

Stringent regulations and environmental concerns make the production of clean fuels with low sulfur content compulsory for the petroleum refining industry. Because of ease of operation without high energy consumption, the adsorption of sulfur compounds seems the most promising process. Central composite design was used to optimize parameters influencing the synthesis of dispersed carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), a new class of sorbents, in order to obtain an excellent adsorbent for desulfurization of liquid fuel. The optimized dispersed CNPs, which are immiscible in liquid fuel, can effectively adsorb different benzothiophenic compounds. Equilibrium adsorption was achieved within 2 min for benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene with removal efficiency values of 75 %, 83 %, and 52 %, respectively. The rate of desulfurization by the prepared CNPs in the present work is seven times higher than the previously reported CNPs. Optimized CNPs were characterized by different techniques. Finally, the effect of the mass of CNPs on the removal efficiency was studied as well.