Work

Adsorption performance and mechanism analysis of HNO3-modified biomass-based zeolite templated carbon for benzothiophene in biodiesel

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background In recent years, most countries have imposed stricter standards on the sulfur content in fuel oils. Thiophene compounds, predominantly benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT), are difficult to remove from biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil. Adsorption desulfurization using activated carbon is regarded as a potential solution. But the removal efficiency of common activated carbon for thiophene could not meet the requirement. Therefore, it is important to develop a carbon material that is highly efficient and selective. Methods This study used tobacco stalks as carbon precursors and zeolite as a templating agent to prepare biomass-based zeolite templated carbon (Bio-ZTC). Subsequently, HNO 3 was used to modify its pore size and surface functional groups, resulting in a material (Bio-ZTC-M) with abundant hierarchical pore structures and surface functional groups. The adsorption performance and mechanism of Bio-ZTC-M for BT in biodiesel were investigated through characterization techniques, adsorption kinetics and molecular dynamics analyses. Significant findings Under the optimal conditions, the removal efficiency of Bio-ZTC-M for BT in biodiesel reaches 68.07 % within 30 s at 20°C. In the process of BT adsorption by Bio-ZTC-M, both physical adsorption (π-π interactions and dipole-dipole interactions) and chemical adsorption (Lewis acid-base interactions) coexist. Furthermore, increasing the proportion of ultramicropores (0.65-1 nm) and mesopores in carbon materials is beneficial to the adsorption of BT.

Source: Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106660

Authors: Zijie Luo, Huicong Zhang, Fashe Li, Hua Wang

Institution: Kunming University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Catalysis and Hydrodesulfurization Studies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,650