Catalytic Activity of Metal-Based Ionic Liquids in Oxidative Desulfurization

Effective desulfurization techniques are required due to the operational and environmental difficulties caused by sulfur compounds found in petroleum fuels. The use of Fenton catalysts in the oxidative desulfurization of petroleum fuels is examined in this work. Evaluating the viability and effectiveness of Fenton catalysts in lowering sulfur concentration while maintaining fuel quality is the main goal. Promising outcomes are found in laboratory tests using hydrogen peroxide (H2O₂) and ferrous iron (Fe³⁺) as catalysts. Fenton catalysts focus on sulfur compounds and transform them into forms that are soluble in water, making the process of separating them from the fuel easier. This procedure offers a more environmentally friendly and financially feasible desulfurization option because it works in milder circumstances than other techniques. The results provide a viable path for the development of sustainable fuel and have ramifications for greener energy sources and environmental legislation. There has been a growing interest in ionic liquids (ILs) as innovative materials for functional desulfurization. Based on their definition and fundamental structure, metal-based ionic liquids (MILs) are divided into three categories in this critical article: metal chloride MILs, metal oxide MILs, and metal complex MILs. To enhance the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process, MILs have both the oxidation and absorption sites for intramolecular adsorption and oxidation. A noteworthy characteristic of MILs in ODS is biomimetic catalysis, which serves to enhance oxidation performance by triggering molecular oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide or oxygen combined with the available water, together with metal oxide and metal complex ions, create a Fenton-like reaction that transforms hydrophobic organic sulfur (SO2) or hydrophilic sulfoxide/sulfone (Seroxide), or sulfur acid, respectively. Promising approaches for developing environmentally friendly and highly effective desulfurization procedures for large-scale applications are also given. Keywords: supported ionic liquid catalyst (SILC), hydrogen peroxide, catalytic oxidative desulfurization, copper (I) chlorocomplexes.