Synthesis of Surface-Active Heteropolyacid-Based Ionic Liquids and Their Catalytic Performance for Desulfurization of Fuel Oils

Surface-active heteropolyacid-based ionic liquids with varying alkyl carbon chains were synthesized, which were subsequently analyzed. The desulfurization of fuels was investigated utilizing various surface-active heteropolyacid-based ionic liquids, and acetonitrile was used as the extractant for the coupling of ODS and EDS. The influences of the alkyl group, surface activity, and hydrophobicity of ionic liquids on sulfur removal were studied. The results suggested that the ionic liquids were stable. Among these ionic liquids, [C4ImBS]3[PW12O40] exhibited the best catalytic performance. Using [C4ImBS]3[PW12O40] as the catalyst, the influences of the catalyst amount, aqueous hydrogen peroxide amount, and reaction temperature on the sulfur removal were explored. Under the optimum conditions, the sulfur removal could achieve 100% efficiency. The recycle experiments also proved that the ionic liquid could be reused.