Synthesis and Characterization of a ZrO/AC Composite as a Novel Adsorbent for Dibenzothiophene

Zirconium dioxide was impregnated into a commercial activated carbon (AC) by hydrothermal treatment employing an aqueous ZrOCl 2 •8H 2 O solution. The ZrO 2 /AC composites thus prepared were tested as adsorbents for dibenzothiophene (DBT) from a model diesel fuel. In comparison to the pure AC, impre...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lin Xiong, Xue-Min Yan, Ping Mei
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi - SAGE Publishing 2010-04-01
Series:Adsorption Science & Technology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1260/0263-6174.28.4.341
Description
Summary:Zirconium dioxide was impregnated into a commercial activated carbon (AC) by hydrothermal treatment employing an aqueous ZrOCl 2 •8H 2 O solution. The ZrO 2 /AC composites thus prepared were tested as adsorbents for dibenzothiophene (DBT) from a model diesel fuel. In comparison to the pure AC, impregnation of ZrO 2 was found to lead to a ca. 17% increase in the adsorption capacity. The optimal ZrO 2 loading and hydrothermal pH were determined as 0.1 mmol/g and 7, respectively. The spent adsorbents were regenerated by toluene washing, with the ZrO 2 /AC composite exhibiting a higher adsorptive capacity than pure AC even after three such recycles. The ZrO 2 /AC composite was also characterized by the physical adsorption of nitrogen and Boehm titrations. The results indicated that surface acidic sites on the impregnated ZrO 2 may play an important role in the improved desulphurization performance of the composite.
ISSN:0263-6174
2048-4038