Phosphotungstic-Acid-Based Ionic Liquid Catalyst for Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidative Desulfurization under Visible Light

The modification of ionic liquids to improve the catalytic activity in the oxidative desulfurization of fuel is a research hotspot. Herein, a kind of phosphotungstic-acid-based imidazole ionic liquid [C1imCH2CH2COOH]3PW12O40 ([C1im]3PW) was prepared and acted as a photocatalyst in the extractive coupled photocatalytic oxidation desulfurization (EPODS) system, which consisted of [Omim]PF6, H2O2, and formic acid. The structure and composition characteristics of [C1im]3PW were studied, and it exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light. The desulfurization of dibenzothiophene achieved 99.8% in 30 min under room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The reusability, anti-interference ability, desulfurization reaction process, and possible mechanism of the EPODS system were studied.