Desulfurization of model oil using date kernel-derived activated carbon modified with pyridinium-based ionic liquids

In this study, activated carbon was produced from date kernels (DN-AC) as a low-cost precursor, and its properties, including surface area, were investigated. The activated carbon was then impregnated with the ionic liquid 1-methyl-4-ethylpyridinium iodide ([MEPI]) for use in the desulfurization of a petroleum derivative containing dibenzothiophene (DBT) dissolved in an n-hexane solvent. The results showed that the prepared activated carbon exhibited a high sulfur removal capacity under various experimental conditions, which were optimized to evaluate its reusability. The loaded carbon was characterized using many techniques, including surface area measurement, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis, before being applied in the desulfurization process. KEY WORDS: Activated carbon, Ionic liquids, Desulfurization, BET, Surface area Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(10), 2065-2077. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i10.13