Magnetically recoverable MoO3-based catalyst promoted with W-doped bio-graphene as an effective catalyst in oxidative desulfurization of fuel

W-doped graphene has been successfully synthesized here using Arabic gum as a natural precursor, which leads to the in-situ embedding of tungsten species into the graphene matrix. In W defects, tung-sten bonds with adjacent carbons and forms carbide. The catalytic efficiency of this catalyst was tested in the oxidative desulfurization of model fuel using H2O2 as a green oxidant. This W-doping enhances sulfur removal due to the active WC species and increases the surface area and structural defects which are effective on the adsorption of substrate on the surface of catalyst. Catalyst was also modified with molyb-denum oxide to increase the rate of reaction. The result shows that the modified MoO3 catalyst show higher catalytic activity (99.6%) at a lower time (80 min) compared to W-doped graphene (98.6% after 120 min). This catalyst can be introduced as an attractive ODS catalyst due to the ability to remove high sulfur concenteration (2000 ppm) with a low amount of catalyst (5 mg) compared to similar reports. The magnetic form of this catalyst was also synthesized by adding Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the graphene structure in order to separate the catalyst more easily. Comparable catalytic activity and higher durability are the advantages that make this magnetic composite a suitable desulfurization catalyst as an effective alternative for the desulfurization of model fuel.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.