Surface reconstruction of ZSM-5 for in situ supporting cobalt tungstate catalysts toward oxidative desulfurization

Compared with homogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous catalysts have greater separability and recyclable properties. Yet, the uneven distribution of active sites in the conventional synthetic method is a challenge. Herein, ZSM-5 supported cobalt tungstate catalyst (CoWO4/ZSM-5-DR) was prepared by a facile dissolution-regrowth strategy under mild conditions. In comparison to the supported CoWO4 catalyst generated by impregnation, the catalyst demonstrated a higher desulfurization efficiency in oxidative desulfurization due to the surface structural reconstruction of ZSM-5 and the uniform dispersion of the active substances. The as-prepared CoWO4/ZSM-5-DR catalyst can achieve 100 % sulfur removal within 5 h, which exhibits good stability and a high removal rate even after 6 cycles. This work provides new insight into supported binary metal oxide catalysts with highly homogenous dispersion and effectivity.