Removal of dibenzothiophene in diesel oil by oxidation over a promoted activated carbon catalyst

Oxidative removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in n-octane solution by H2O2 on a promoted activated carbon (AC) catalyst was studied. DBT adsorption and catalytic behaviors on AC were examined. Effects of pH in aqueous phase, amounts of AC and formic acid (HCOOH) for promotion as well as initial molar H2O2/S ratio were investigated. Experimental results led to conclusion that DBT was readily oxidized by H2O2 over an AC catalyst promoted by HCOOH. Suitable amount of AC can improve the activity of H2O2 resulting in a deeper extent of sulfur removal. A 100% conversion of DBT in an octane solution by H2O2 oxidation was attained on the HCOOH-H2O2/AC catalyst at 80A degrees C for a reaction time of 30 min.