Removal of Sulfur-containing Compounds from Crude Oil Model Using Phosphate Based Ionic Liquid

The objective of the project is to determine the sulphur-compounds (thiophene and
benzopthiophene) removal efficiency of selected ionic liquids ([EMIM] [DEP]) from
crude oil model (dodecane). [EMM] [DEP] can be synthesis via one-pot method with
high yield, easy for purification and low cost. [EMIM] [DEP] also proved to be
effectively removing the sulfur compounds compared to conventional method,
hydrodesulfurization (HDS).
The preparation of [EMIM] [DEP] was carried out in the laboratory starting from the
purification of 1-methylimidazole till drying the ionic liquid. The experiment went
well and the ionic liquid seems to be successfully made based on the color that
produced (light red). Then, [EMIM] [DEP] has been washed with diethyl ether as
solvent for 2-3 times before proceeding with the drying process using rotary
evaporator. After that, [EMIM] [DEP] was ready to be tested its efficiency to extract
sulfur compound (thiophene and benzothiophene)from model oil.
Two categories of model oil was prepared: 1) Model oil containing some amount of
thiophene (2%, 4% and 6%) and 2) Model oil containing some amount of
benzothiophene (2%, 4% and 6%). The extraction results seem promising to be
commercialized since Kn values for each sample ranging from 0.4000 to 0.4400
which are quite high.
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