N-doped carbon nanotube encapsulated nZVI as a high-performance bifunctional catalyst for oxidative desulfurization

We proposed synthesis of high efficiency oxidation desulfurization (ODS) catalysts by encapsulating nano zero valent iron (nZVI) in self-catalyzed carbon nanotubes. The synthetic strategy features facile hydrothermal and pyrolysis process.

The specific surface area, pore structure, and microstructure of the catalysts were characterized by series techniques, and the catalytic ability was evaluated by the reduction of sulfur after oxidation and reflux-extration. The optimized nZVI@CNT catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic performance (within 120 min, the oxidative removal rate of DBT reached 96%) and enhanced stability (a 80% retention of initial performance after six cycles.), revealing the effective optimization and modulation between carbon nanotubes and iron particles.