Desulfurization of Jet Fuel JP-5 Light Fraction by MCM-41 and SBA-15 Supported Cuprous Oxide for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Desulfurization of a JP-5 light fraction (841 ppmw S) for on-board fuel cell applications was investigated by π-complexation adsorption with mesoporous SBA-15 and MCM-41 supported Cu2O. The effect of support and reduction temperature on the sulfur adsorption capacity was studied. The adsorbents were characterized with N2 physical adsorption and CO chemisorption. The results showed that the mesoporous structures of the support remained intact during adsorbent preparation. It was found that significant breakthrough occurred at 10.0 mL/g for desulfurization of the JP-5 light fraction by Cu2O/MCM-41 reduced at 700 °C. The MCM-41 was more effective than SBA-15 as the support for Cu2O adsorbents in desulfurizaiton of jet fuel. The sulfur adsorption capacity increased with the reduction temperature. The spent Cu2O/MCM-41 was regenerated by heating in air and the regenerated adsorbent was tested for reuse. The results showed that ∼100% of the sulfur capacity could be recovered.