Fabrication of photocatalytic composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/TiO2 and its application for desulfurization of diesel

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MWNTs and TiO{sub 2} were mixed well, forming uniform microstructure in MWNTs/TiO{sub 2} composites. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The combination of MWNTs and TiO{sub 2} contribute to improving photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MWNTs/TiO{sub 2} composite is an effective photo-catalyst for the removal of sulfur from commercial diesel. -- Abstract: Composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and titanium (IV) oxide (TiO{sub 2}) were prepared by a heterogeneous gelation method. The activities of the MWNTs/TiO{sub 2} composites were evaluated by photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization using dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), n-tetradecane, and commercial diesel under irradiation using a high-pressure Hg lamp. The microstructures of MWNTs/TiO{sub 2} composites were characterized by N{sub 2} adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that more than 98% of sulfur compounds in commercial diesel were oxidized and removed by the use of the MWNTs/TiO{sub 2} composite as a photocatalyst.