How critical is geometrical confinement? Analysis of spatially and temporally resolved particulate matter removal with an electrostatic precipitator

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dispersion of particulate matter (PM) when using a needle-type electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The ESP is installed in tubes of 3 and 10 cm diameter. A simple light scattering setup integrated with image processing is built to evaluate and quantify the spatial and temporal dispersion of PM. The ESP is operated under stationary and continuous flowing modes to test its PM removal capability. Under the stationary mode, PM is removed efficiently in 10 and 45 seconds when using a 3 and 10 cm tube, respectively. In a more geometrically confined system, a large spatial particulate concentration gradient is seen from 18 to 24 cm, indicating that the cleaning capability can be controlled within a localized space. By modulating the applied voltage from direct current (DC) to a low-frequency pulse with 50% duty, the ozone concentration can be reduced by nearly 50% while maintaining the cleaning efficiency. The analysis with spatially and temporally resolved particulate dispersion provides a novel strategy for testing the performance of an ESP. Furthermore, physical confinement enhances both the spatial and temporal removal efficiency, which is crucial for indoor and personal air cleaning devices. These results will contribute to air purification and environmental monitoring.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dispersion of particulate matter (PM) when using a needle-type electrostatic precipitator (ESP).

The Removal of Benzothiophene from Model Diesel on NaY and NiY Zeolites: Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies

This work investigates the adsorption of sulfur compounds in model fuel (benzothiophene dissolved in n-octane) on NaY and NiY zeolites from the points of adsorption equilibrium and kinetics. The crystal structures, textural properties and chemical compositions of zeolites were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption and ICP-AES, respectively. The adsorption of sulfur from model diesel was processed in a batch experiment on NaY and NiY zeolites, and the effects of adsorption temperature and adsorption time on adsorption capacity were investigated. The experimental isotherm data were fitted using Langmuir, Freundlich and Toth models. The pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, pseudo-n order and intra-particle diffusion models were applied to fit the kinetic data and determine the adsorption mechanism. It is observed from the correlation coefficient (R2) that Toth model is more appropriate to depict the isotherm equilibrium adsorption process and the sulfur uptake process follows the pseudo-n order rate expression on NaY and NiY zeolites. The diffusion study indicated that the adsorption of benzothiophene is controlled by two steps. Moreover, the results of the relative error (RE) analysis further confirm the conclusion of the kinetic study. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the adsorption process is exothermal and spontaneous. The equilibrium adsorption sulfur capacities are 20.66 and 28.21 mgS˙g−1 on NaY and NiY zeolites at 50 °C, respectively.

Current knowledge and potential applications of cavitation technologies for the petroleum industry

Technologies based on cavitation, produced by either ultrasound or hydrodynamic means, are part of growing literature for individual refinery unit processes. In this review, we have explained the mechanism through which these cavitation technologies intensify individual unit processes such as enhanced oil recovery, demulsification of water in oil emulsions during desalting stage, crude oil viscosity reduction, oxidative desulphurisation/demetallization, and crude oil upgrading. Apart from these refinery processes, applications of this technology are also mentioned for other potential crude oil sources such as oil shale and oil sand extraction. The relative advantages and current situation of each application/process at commercial scale is explained.

Bifunctional Porphyrin-Based Nano-Metal-Organic Frameworks: Catalytic and Chemosensing Studies

The use of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis( p-phenylphosphonic acid)porphyrin (H₁₀TPPA) as a linker in the preparation of porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (Por-MOFs) through coordination to lanthanides cations is reported. The resulting unprecedented materials, formulated as [M(H₉TPPA)(H₂O) _x]Cl₂· yH₂O [ x + y = 7; M³⁺ = La³⁺ (1), Yb³⁺ (2), and Y³⁺ (3)], prepared using hydrothermal synthesis, were extensively characterized in the solid-state, for both their structure and thermal robustness, using a myriad of solid-state advanced techniques. Materials were evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts in the oxidation of thioanisole by H₂O₂ and as chemosensors for detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). Nano-Por-MOFs 1-3 proved to be effective as heterogeneous catalysts in the sulfoxidation of thioanisole, with Por-MOF 1 exhibiting the best catalytic performance with a conversion of thioanisole of 89% in the first cycle and with a high selectivity for the sulfoxide derivative (90%). The catalyst maintained its activity roughly constant in three consecutive runs. Por-MOFs 1-3 can be employed as chemosensors because of a measured fluorescence quenching up to 70% for nitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, 4-nitrophenol, and phenol, with 2,4,6-trinitrophenol exhibiting a peculiar fluorescence profile.

Adsorptive removal of indole and quinoline from model fuel using adenine-grafted metal-organic frameworks

A highly porous metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-101, was modified for the first time with the nucleobase adenine (Ade) by grafting onto the MOF. The Ade-grafted MOF, Ade-MIL-101, was further protonated to obtain P-Ade-MIL-101, and these MOFs were utilized to remove nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs) (such as indole (IND) and quinoline (QUI)) from a model fuel by adsorption. These functionalized MOFs exhibited remarkable adsorption performance for NCCs compared with that shown by commercial activated carbon (AC) and pristine MIL-101, even though the porosities of the functionalized-MOFs were lower than that of pristine MIL-101. P-Ade-MIL-101 has 12.0 and 10.8 times capacity to that of AC for IND and QUI adsorption, respectively; its adsorption performance was competitive with that of other reported adsorbents. The remarkable adsorption of IND and QUI by Ade-MIL-101 was attributed to H-bonding. H-bonding combined with cation-π interactions was proposed as the mechanism for the removal of IND by P-Ade-MIL-101, whereas acid-base interactions were thought to be responsible for QUI adsorption by P-Ade-MIL-101. Moreover, P-Ade-MIL-101 can be regenerated without any severe degradation and used for successive adsorptions. Therefore, P-Ade-MIL-101 was recommended as an effective adsorbent for fuel purification by adsorptive removal of NCCs.

Sulfur dioxide-tolerant strontium chromate for the catalytic oxidation of diesel particulate matter

A mixed oxide of strontium and chromium shows enhanced, multi-cycle catalytic oxidation performance for diesel particulate matter with sulfur dioxide tolerance.

Preparation, characterization, and catalytic performances of a pyrazine dicarboxylate-bridging rare-earth-containing polytungstoarsenate aggregate for selective oxidation of thiophenes and deep desulfurization of model fuels

A new polytungstoarsenate, K₆LiH₆[Ce₄(H₂O)₁₄(pzdc)(H₂pzdc)As₃W₂₉O₁₀₃]·22H₂O (1), was synthesized via a conventional aqueous solution method.

Structure and adsorptive desulfurization performance of the composite material MOF-5@AC

The performance of adsorption desulfurization and stability of MOF-5@AC were improved, when MOF-5 was covered on the surface of AC.

Adsorptive denitrogenation of fuel over molecularly imprinted poly-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol microspheres

Molecularly imprinted poly 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol prepared by suspension polymerization of 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-vinylphenol in the presence of selected nitrogen containing compounds showed adsorption selectivity for target nitrogen-containing compounds in fuel oil.

Biodesulfurization of Petroleum Distillates—Current Status, Opportunities and Future Challenges

Sulfur oxide (SO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are considered as one of the major air pollutants in the world today. In addition, high sulfur levels in petroleum distillates can promote the deactivation of catalysts through poisoning in fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) during hydrocracking of the heavy distillates to lighter ones. The presence of high sulfur-containing compounds in the process streams could cause corrosion of piping and fittings and equipment, thereby damaging the pipelines and leading to air emissions of sulfur-containing compounds, which are undesirable for mankind and his environment. In many cases, a large quantity of SOx is released into the atmosphere when petroleum distillates that contain substantial amount of sulphur-containing compounds are used as fuel and combust. In this article, a short overview of different desulfurization methods that are employed to remove sulfur from petroleum distillates is provided. In particular, the review concentrates on biodesulfurization technique. In addition, this article intends to provide its readers current status of biodesulfurization (BDS). It critically analyses the trend in the development of the technology to showcase its strength and weakness that could pave a way for future opportunities. Approaches that are suitable to remediate sulfur-contaminated environment are discussed as well. Lastly, speculations on future directions or opportunities that require exploration are provided as a way of provoking the thoughts of researchers in this field.

A capped trigonal pyramidal molybdenum hydrido complex and an unusually mild sulfur-carbon bond cleavage reaction

DFT calculations reveal that a reported molybdenum hydride complex has an unprecedented geometry with the molybdenum in the base of trigonal pyramid defined by three thiolate ligands with a phosphine ligand on the apex and a hydride capping a PS₂ face. This complex reacts with methanol to produce a sulfido complex by a new reaction: the protonation of an ipso carbon of a thiolate ligand by coordinated methanol.

Hydrogen sulfide emission sources, regulations, and removal techniques: a review

This review highlights the recent technologies of H2S removal from wastewater in the petroleum refinery. H2S is a harmful, putrid, and hazardous gaseous compound. The main processes such as physicochemical, chemical, biological, and electrochemical methods were compared and discussed in detail. The effects of various parameters and adsorbent characteristics were highlighted and correlated with the adsorption capacities. Surface functional groups and porosity surface area play a crucial role in the process of single-phase and composite adsorbents. Composite materials impregnated with some metals showed high removal efficiencies. It was found that the adsorption process is the most relevant way for H2S removal due to its high removal efficiency, low cost, eco-friendly, and operational simplicity. This study serves as a useful guideline for those who are interested in H2S removal.

Protonated MIL-125-NH2: Remarkable Adsorbent for the Removal of Quinoline and Indole from Liquid Fuel

The removal of nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs) from fossil fuels prior to combustion is currently of particular importance, and so we investigated an adsorptive method using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the removal of indole (IND) and quinoline (QUI), which are two of the main NCCs present in fossil fuels. We herein employed an amino (-NH₂)-functionalized MIL-125 (MIL-125-NH₂) MOF, which was further modified by protonation (P-MIL-125-NH₂). These modified MOFs exhibited extraordinary performance in the adsorption of both IND (as representative neutral NCC) and QUI (as representative basic NCC). These MOFs were one of the most efficient adsorbents for the removal of NCCs. For example, P-MIL-125-NH₂ showed the highest adsorption capacity for QUI among ever reported adsorbent. The improved adsorption of IND was explained by H-bonding and cation-π interactions for MIL-125-NH₂ and P-MIL-125-NH₂, respectively, while the mechanisms for QUI were H-bonding and acid-base interactions, respectively. This is a rare phenomenon for a single material (especially not with very high porosity) to exhibit such remarkable performances in the adsorption of both basic QUI and neutral IND. The adsorption results obtained using regenerated MIL-125-NH₂ and P-MIL-125-NH₂ also showed that these materials can be used several times without any severe degradation.

Binary Isotherm Modeling for Simultaneous Desulfurization and Denitrogenation of Model Fuel by Zinc Loaded Activated Carbon

In the present study, simultaneous removal of the dibenzothiophene (an aromatic refractory sulfur compound) and quinoline (an aromatic refractory nitrogenous compound) from model fuel was performed using the zinc impregnated granular activated carbon (Zn-GAC). Textual properties of the adsorbent were determined by liquid nitrogen adsorption technique. Binary isotherm study revealed that the quinoline adsorption onto Zn-GAC was more favored in comparison to dibenzothiophene. Various multi-component isotherm models were used for representing the isotherm data from binary solution. Modified Redlich-Peterson model best represented the isotherm data.

Adsorptive removal and separation of chemicals with metal-organic frameworks: Contribution of π-complexation

Efficient removal and separation of chemicals from the environment has become a vital issue from a biological and environmental point of view. Currently, adsorptive removal/separation is one of the most promising approaches for cleaning purposes. Selective adsorption/removal of various sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds, olefins, and π-electron-rich gases via π-complex formation between an adsorbent and adsorbate molecules is very competitive. Porous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials are very promising in the adsorption/separation of various liquids and gases owing to their distinct characteristics. This review summarizes the literature on the adsorptive removal/separation of various π-electron-rich compounds mainly from fuel and gases using MOF materials containing metal ions that are active for π-complexation. Details of the π-complexation, including mechanism, pros/cons, applications, and efficient ways to form the complex, are discussed systematically. For in-depth understanding, molecular orbital calculations regarding charge transfer between the π-complexing species are also explained in a separate section. From this review, readers will gain an understanding of π-complexation for adsorption and separation, especially with MOFs, to develop new insight for future research.

Adsorptive Desulfurization of Model Gasoline by Using Different Zn Sources Exchanged NaY Zeolites

A series of Zn-modified NaY zeolites were prepared by the liquid-phase ion-exchange method with different Zn sources, including Zn(NO₃)₂, Zn(Ac)₂ and ZnSO₄. The samples were tested as adsorbents for removing an organic sulfur compound from a model gasoline fuel containing 1000 ppmw sulfur. Zn(Ac)₂-Y exhibited the best performance for the desulfurization of gasoline at ambient conditions. Combined with the adsorbents’ characterization results, the higher adsorption capacity of Zn(Ac)₂-Y is associated with a higher ion-exchange degree. Further, the results demonstrated that the addition of 5 wt % toluene or 1-hexene to the diluted thiophene (TP) solution in cyclohexane caused a large decrease in the removal of TP from the model gasoline fuel. This provides evidence about the competition through the π-complexation between TP and toluene for adsorption on the active sites. The acid-catalyzed alkylation by 1-hexene of TP and the generated complex mixture of bulky alkylthiophenes would adsorb on the surface active sites of the adsorbent and block the pores. The regenerated Zn(Ac)₂-Y adsorbent afforded 84.42% and 66.10% of the initial adsorption capacity after the first two regeneration cycles.

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on the adsorption of thiophene and benzothiophene onto NiCeY zeolites

NiCeY zeolites were prepared by ion-exchanging NaY with 0.1 M Ni(NO₃)₂ and 0.1 M Ce(NO₃)₃ solution.

A luminogenic lanthanide-based probe for the highly selective detection of nanomolar sulfide levels in aqueous samples

A novel bimetallic terbium(iii)/copper(ii) complex for the luminescent detection of hydrogen sulfide in aqueous samples is described.

Phenolic resin-derived activated carbon-supported divalent metal as efficient adsorbents (M-C, M=Zn, Ni, or Cu) for dibenzothiophene removal

The adsorption process and mechanism of dibenzothiophene (DBT) over metal-loaded phenolic resin-derived activated carbon (PR-AC) were firstly reported in this work. The metal component (Zn, Ni, or Cu) was respectively introduced to PR-AC support via an impregnation method. The effects of adsorbent component, initial DBT concentration, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), adsorption time, and adsorption temperature on the adsorption capacity of the adsorbents were systematically investigated. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanism was discussed by analyzing the properties of adsorption product and saturated adsorbent as well as adsorption kinetics. Experimental results indicate that the PR-AC-loaded metal adsorbents, especially with Zn, present much higher DBT adsorption capability than that of pure PR-AC support. The DBT removal rate over PR-AC-loaded Zn (Zn²⁺ = 0.2 mol L^-1) reaches 89.14 %, which is almost twice higher than that of pure PR-AC (45.6 %). This is due to the π-complexation between DBT and metal ions (dominating factor) and the weakening of the local hard acid sites over PR-AC. The multi-factor orthogonal experiment shows that the DBT removal rate over PR-AC-loaded Zn sample achieved 92.36 % in optimum conditions.

New methods for the preparation of nanoscale nickel phosphide catalysts for heteroatom removal reactions

Recent advances in the preparation of nickel phosphide (Ni₂P) catalysts from hypophosphite-based precursors have resulted in high HDS and HDN activities.

Reactivity of nano-size zinc powder in the aqueous solution of [FeIII(edta)(H2O)]. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2017;38:103-107. [PMID: 27227652 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2016.1186745]

Nitrogen mono-oxide and sulfur dioxide can be removed by simultaneous absorption into aqueous mixed solutions of sulfite and [Fe^II(edta)]H₂O)]^2-, ferrous ion coordinated to an anion of ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA or edta). In the industrial system with coexisting oxygen in the gas phase, [Fe^II(edta)](H₂O)]^2- complex is oxidized to [Fe^III(edta)](H₂O)]^- by molecular oxygen. Because the ferric complex has no capability for reaction with NO, the suppression of this undesired oxidation process is a very important technological problem to be overcome. In our preceding work, we discussed the reduction kinetics of ferric ion by metal powder on the basis of the kinetic data regarding the ferric ion reduction in aqueous solutions of [Fe^III(edta)](H₂O)]^- containing aluminum, tin or zinc powders. Zinc powder of normal size was recognized as an effective reducing agent. In the present work, augmentation of reducing capability of zinc powder was examined more. The rate of reduction of nano-size zinc powder was found to be about 11 times higher than that of normal-size zinc one.

One-pot extraction and aerobic oxidative desulfurization with highly dispersed V2O5/SBA-15 catalyst in ionic liquids

Clean oils could be obtained with this aerobic oxidation desulfurization method under mild conditions.

Ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization process of liquid fuel by phosphotungstic acid encapsulated in a interpenetrating amine-functionalized Zn(II)-based MOF as catalyst

In this work, ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) of liquid fuels performed with a novel heterogeneous highly dispersed Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, PTA) catalyst that encapsulated into an amino-functionalized MOF (TMU-17-NH₂). The prepared composite exhibits high catalytic activity and reusability in oxidative desulfurization of model fuel. Ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) is a new way to performed oxidation reaction of sulfur-contain compounds rapidly, economically, environment-friendly and safely, under mild conditions. Ultrasound waves can be apply as an efficient tool to decrease the reaction time and improves oxidative desulfurization system performance. PTA@TMU-17-NH₂ could be completely performed desulfurization of the model oil by 20mg of catalyst, O/S molar ratio of 1:1 in presence of MeCN as extraction solvent. The obtained results indicated that the conversions of DBT to DBTO₂ achieve 98% after 15min in ambient temperature. In this work, we prepared TMU-17-NH₂ and PTA/TMU-17-NH₂ composite by ultrasound irradiation for first time and employed in UAOD process. Prepared catalyst exhibit an excellent reusability without PTA leaching and loss of activity.

Applications of Liquid/Liquid Biphasic Oxidations by Hydrogen Peroxide with Ionic Liquids or Deep Eutectic Solvents

This Minireview focuses on recent applications of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in biphasic oxidations in which the oxidizing agent corresponds to hydrogen peroxide. Biphasic reactions are accomplished when the substrate presents low or moderate solubility in aqueous (polar) systems and/or when separation of products and byproduct is an issue. The properties of the IL and DES allows the reaction activity to be intensified. On the other hand, the high chemical stability of the ionic solvents allows the use of hydrogen peroxide to minimize solvent degradation and unwanted byproducts. The experimental evidence presented herein shows that ILs and DESs can be used as cocatalysts, catalysts, and solvents to achieve enhanced yields and conversions. The process advantages, in terms of a reduction of volatile solvents, improve the safety and use of the oxidizing agent, which implies the possibility of developing new process improvements in the future.