Application of CeO₂-V₂O₅ catalysts in the oxidative desulfurization of 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene as a model reaction to remove sulfur from fuels

Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) is an excellent alternative for removing sulfur from fuels and the accurate choice of catalyst is essential in obtaining good conversion. In this study, V₂O₅ and CeO₂ catalysts and their mixture were prepared by incipient impregnation method from ammonium metavanadate and cerium chloride as precursors. The catalysts were characterized by different physicochemical techniques. The acidity of the catalyst was measured potentiometrically by titration with pyridine and using a platinum electrode. The catalytic properties of the synthesized catalysts were evaluated in the ODS of 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene. Acidity increased with the addition of vanadium, which generated more variants in the oxidation state of V₂O₅ and improved the catalytic activity. The vanadium catalyst with the highest amount of vanadium oxide achieved a conversion rate of nearly 100%, renders a viable catalyst for sulfur removal. Factors such as acidity and surface area affect the catalytic activity.