(338i) Li-Modified Mesoporous Silica Adsorbents for Adsorptive/Regenerative Denitrogenation of Raw Diesel Fuel

Since environmental problems from SOx and NOx in the combustion of fossil fuels became an object of public concern, refiners in most parts of the world are facing the inevitable reality that they need to produce clean automotive fuels with ultra-low sulfur levels.

In the ULSD production through FCC process, nitrogen-containing compounds in the feed worked as an inhibitor in the catalytic reaction. In this study, the denitrogenation of raw diesel fuel, which is one of feed stocks for FCC process for diesel fuel production, was studied by using the developed mesoporous silica adsorbents.

The characteristics of adsorption and desorption of nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs) of raw diesel fuel on two mesoporous silica adsorbents, Li-modified YSP and MCF, were studied through batch experiments. Compared to commercial adsorbent, adsorption selectivity and capacity of the developed adsorbent were higher. All discovered properties have been compared with commercial adsorbent provided by refinery factory. The Li-YSP adsorbent showed higher adsorption capacity and faster adsorption rate of NCCs at 288 K. When the temperature increased from 288 to 318 K, the adsorbed amount of NCCs on Li-YSP didn't change much, but that on Li-MCF was increased. In addition, the adsorbed amount of sulfur-containing compounds (SCCs) was increased for all the adsorbents.

The adsorbent regeneration by the solvent washing (methyl isobutyl ketone and toluene) and re-adsorption were performed to both adsorbents and the results were compared to the commercial adsorbent. The results imply that the developed adsorbents can be applied to the solvent washing recyclic process.