Iron‐Substituted Phosphotungstate Encapsulated in PCN‐223 for Extraction Oxidation Desulfurization of Model Diesel

ABSTRACT Environmental concerns stemming from sulfur oxides released during liquid fuel combustion have urgently necessitated the development of low‐sulfur or sulfur‐free fuels. The limitations of hydrodesulfurization have prompted the exploration of other new technologies. This study innovatively focuses on extraction oxidation desulfurization, employing iron‐substituted phosphotungstate PW 11 Fe encapsulated in PCN‐223 as a heterogeneous catalyst (PW 11 Fe@PCN‐223). This composite material combines the unique properties of PCN‐223 and PW 11 Fe, offering enhanced catalytic activity and recyclability. The synthesized materials were characterized using a variety of techniques, and their catalytic performance was evaluated. Kinetic studies revealed that the removal of the three sulfides (BT, DBT, and 4‐MDBT) in the simulated diesel adheres to quasi‐first‐order kinetics. Notably, the results of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) confirmed that sulfides were oxidized to corresponding sulfones in the presence of hydroxyl radicals, providing new insights into the reaction mechanism. This research thus presents a novel and effective approach to liquid fuel desulfurization.