A green method for the preparation of nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon and its application in adsorptive desulfurization

Abstract

Nitrogen-doped porous carbons (NMCs) were prepared using a green method. They were investigated as adsorbents for dibenzothiophene (DBT) from simulated diesel fuel under different concentrations of sulfur. The nitrogen-modified porous carbons caused a visible increase in the adsorption capacity. Micropore structure and polar interactions between surface groups play an important role in adsorptive desulfurization. The presence of quinoline, water and aromatic hydrocarbons seem to be unfavorable to DBT attraction. N-containing groups and micropores contribute to adsorb DBT, making NMC an efficient adsorbent for desulfurization.