Catalytic decomposition of dibenzothiophene sulfones over layered double hydroxide catalysts

The object of the present study is to apply layered double hydroxide catalysts to remove sulfur dioxide from sulfone compounds, by-products of Oxidative Desulfurization (ODS). The effects of Mg/Al ratio, aging temperature, and calcination on the characteristics of the layered double hydroxide catalysts were investigated through the BET surface area, XRD, SEM, and temperature-programmed desorption of CO(2). The layered double hydroxide catalyst with an Mg/Al ratio of 2 or 3 and with an aged temperature of 150 degrees C was found to be optimal for the decomposition of dibenzothiophene sulfone. It has since been ascribed to a well-developed LDH structure and has the greatest amount of base site. The optimized layered double hydroxide catalysts were found to have high activity and stability during the catalytic removal of sulfur dioxide from sulfones that were in ODS diesel. (C) 2010 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.