Functionalized Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica as an Oxidizing Agent for the Oxidative Desulfurization of Organosulfur Compounds

The use of peroxycarboxylic-acid-functionalized hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) as an oxidizing solid agent was investigated. The experimentation was performed on organic sulfur compounds that have been selected as representative of those contained in crude distillates. The results clearly show the potentiality of this oxidizing agent for the development of oxidative desulfurization (ODS) processes for the purpose of producing ultralow-sulfur fuels and sulfoxides and sulfones as secondary products.