Hydrodesulfurization of Diesel for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Applications

Hydrogen production from commercial diesel fuels is an attactive option for energy generation purpose due to the low cost and good availability of diesel fuels. However, in order to utilize commercial diesel fuels, the sulfur contents must be removed down to approximately 0.1 ppm level to protect the fuel cell catalysts from poisoning. Commercial catalysts $CoMo/Al_2O_3$ and $NiMo/Al_2O_3$ were tested for HDS (Hydrodesulfurization) of model diesel and commercial diesel. The experimental conditions were $250-400^{\circ}C$ and LHSV (Liquid Hourly Space Velocity) $0.27-2.12hr^{-1}$. $NiMo/Al_2O_3$ was found to be more effective than $CoMo/Al_2O_3$ in removing sulfur from model diesel. Based on the experimental results of model diesel, commercial diesel fuel purchased from a local petrol station was tested for HDS using $NiMo/Al_2O_3$. The GC-SCD (Gas Chromatography Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector) results showed that the DMDBT (Dimethyldibenzothiophene) derivatives were fully removed from the commercial diesel fuel proving that HDS with $NiMo/Al_2O_3$ is technically feasible for industrial applications.