Desulfurization Of Crude Oil Model Using Integrated Technique: Fe/Tio2 Photooxidation And Ionic Liquid Extraction

This research project focuses on the development of TiO2 photocatalyst for removing sulfur compounds from crude oil. Sulfur compounds in the crude oil poses a threat to the environment, health, and plant process as it have negative effects if not being removed from the crude oil. However, sulfur removal requires severe process conditions; high temperature and pressure in order to lower the sulfur content. Sulfur removal (desulfurization) of crude oil using TiO2 photocatalyst is seen a potential method since it can be done in moderate pressure and temperature utilizing the oxygen in the atmosphere. Modifications on the TiO2 itself is needed to extend its photocatalytic activity to the visible light region by doping with iron metal. The Fe/TiO2 photocatalysts are prepared using the wet impregnation method with different Fe loading; TiO2 powder is mixed with Fe(NO3)3.9H2O in distilled water, dried in an oven at 1200C for 18 hours and calcined in a furnace at 5000C and 6000C for 1 h. Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene from model oil was conducted by photooxidation (Fe/TiO2) and extraction ([BMIM]OcSO4) being integrated in a system. From the desulfurization experiment, the highest sulfur removal achieved was 51.3% for 0.4 wt% Fe/TiO2 loading and calcinations temperature at 5000C.