Catalytic oxidative desulfurization of liquid fuel: Impact of oxidants, extracting agents, and heterogeneous catalysts with prospects for biodiesel upgrading - A mini review

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy Vol. 188; p. 107341
• Main Authors: Guntida, Adisak, Jorqueira, Diogo Silva Sanches, Nikitine, Clémence, Fongarland, Pascal, Thomas, Karine, Maugé, Françoise, Aparicio, Juliana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2024
• Subjects: Extraction; Heterogeneous catalysis; Oxidants; Oxidative desulfurization; Oxidative desulfurization; Heterogeneous catalysis; Extraction; Oxidants
• ISSN: 0961-9534
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107341

To address environmental pollution, the chemical industry is continually refining its standards. In the United States and Europe, regulations stipulate that the sulfur content in diesel fuel must not exceed 15 ppm. This stringent requirement has driven continuous research into advanced fuel upgrading techniques. One such promising method is oxidative desulfurization (ODS), which removes sulfur compounds by converting them into sulfones, thereby improving their extractability into other phases. This mini-review aims to provide a qualitative analysis of the fundamental principles of ODS. It examines the roles of various oxidizing agents, extraction solvents, and heterogeneous catalysts, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Furthermore, the review elucidates the integrated reaction-extraction approach and explores emerging technologies and challenges associated with biodiesel upgrading in the context of biofuels. A quantitative section synthesizes representative results to provide a comprehensive overview. In conclusion, this paper underscores the importance of understanding both the benefits and limitations of ODS and emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research in the field of biodiesel production.
•The ODS process, a promising method for removing sulfur compounds from liquid fuels, has been reviewed.•The advantages and limitations of oxidants, extracting agents and active phases have been explained.•Meso/macroporous materials, with their high surface area and tunable pore sizes, show potential in enhancing ODS activity.•Various methods for upgrading biodiesel have been proposed.