NaY zeolite incorporated alginate beads for efficient adsorption desulfurization

Adsorptive desulfurization represents a promising approach for ultra-deep desulfurization. In this work, NaY zeolite was successfully integrated into a biodegradable alginate matrix, forming composite beads that demonstrated improved adsorption capacity and favorable reusability. The composite beads have been utilized as adsorbents for the purpose of removing sulfur compounds (thiophene, TP) from model fuel. At room temperature (25 °C), the optimum 1NaY/CA beads presented a maximum adsorption capacity of 51.4 mgS/g for TP. The superior accessibility of the adsorption sites within the 1NaY/CA beads, primarily attributed to the porous structure of NaY and the abundant functional groups of sodium alginate, contributed to the improved adsorptive desulfurization performance. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the overall process was an exothermic reaction that was spontaneous and feasible. The 1NaY/CA beads demonstrated remarkable stability and reusability, with the efficiency decreasing by a mere 7.2 % after six cycles.