Enhancing Asphaltene Degradation Through the Piezocatalysis Process Using Cadmium Tin Oxides Rod-Like and Cubic-Like Ceramic Nanostructures

The study focused on achieving high rates of asphaltene degradation by controlling the morphology and composition of the cadmium tin oxide (CTO) piezocatalyst. A new, fast, and clean method for asphaltene degradation was employed using the piezo-catalytic process. The performance of the CTO piezocatalyst was investigated based on various synthesis parameters such as precursor concentration, hydrothermal treatment time, hydrothermal temperature, and calcination temperature. In addition, the effect of operating parameters such as catalyst dosage, ultrasonic time, and power on asphaltene degradation was investigated. The results showed a constant rate of 0.0044 M−1·min−1 and a degradation efficiency of up to 95% of asphaltene degradation at 20 °C based on kinetic results. According to the thermodynamic results, the piezo degradation of asphaltene by CTO piezocatalysts was an exothermic reaction with ℎ = −28.22 kj/mol. A possible mechanism for the degradation of asphaltene by CTO piezo is discussed.