Synthesis and characterization of new nanocomposite CTAB-PTA@CS as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for oxidative desulphurization of gasoline

Abstract In order to obtain the clean gasoline fuel, a new nanocomposite, CTAB-PTA@CS has been introduced as an efficient and green catalyst for oxidative desulphurization (ODS) process. The nanocomposite was successfully prepared by reaction of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), phosphotungstic acid (PTA), and chitosan (CS) at room temperature under sonication condition. The organic-inorganic hybrid characterized by FT-IR, UV–vis, XRD, and SEM techniques. The catalytic activity of nanocomposite was tested on real gasoline fuel in the presence of CH 3 COOH/H 2 O 2 in the volume ratio of 1/2 as oxidant system. Additionally, the results are compared with that oxidation process of prepared model sulphur compounds (MSCs) at the same conditions. After one hour, the results were shown that the removal of mercaptans and total sulphur content could be reduced to 98% and 95% at the temperature of 35 °C. The main factors affecting the desulphurization efficiency, including catalyst dosage and temperature were investigated in detail. In addition, the kinetic parameters of oxidation of MSCs, reaction mechanism, and reusability of catalyst were discussed. This system provides an environmentally friendly, feasible and new catalytic method for the production of low-sulphur gasoline fuel.