Phosphotungstic acid-supported zirconia mesoporous material for deep and fast oxidative desulfurization

Phosphotungstic acid-loaded zirconium dioxide (HPW@ZrO2) nanoparticles with excellent oxidative desulfurization performance were prepared and fully characterized. By employing this material as oxidative desulfurization catalyst, removal of DBT from 1000 ppm of simulated oil can be completed within 20 min under the optimal conditions. After 5 recycling cycles, DBT removal rate was not obviously decreased, indicating the good recyclability of the catalyst. In addition, this material also exhibited good desulfurization performance for gasoline. The successful preparation of HPW@ZrO2 nanocomposite provides an alternative option for catalytic oxidative desulfurization in the production of clean fuel.