Decomposition of Oxidized Sulfur-Containing Components of Crude Oil and Petrochemicals Under Conditions of Nanoheterogeneous Catalysis

Abstract

The catalytic decomposition of dibenzothiophene sulfone is studied in the presence of nanosized iron(III) oxide with an average particle diameter of 10–12 nm; it is synthesized by the thermolysis of iron(III) acetylacetonate in the medium of diphenyl ether. The optimum conditions of the process are ascertained by varying the temperature and time of the reaction and the concentration of the nanosized catalyst. It is shown that the oxidative desulfurization of crude oil and petrochemicals may occur with the oxidized sulfur-containing components being decomposed under mild conditions in the presence of nanosized iron(III) oxide at the second stage. In some cases, the degree of desulfurization is above 80%.