The invention relates to systems and methods for ultrasonic oxidative desulfurization of heavy fuel oils. In various embodiments, the methods include combinations of ultrasonic sulfone decomposition processes and/or catalytic decomposition processes.

The invention relates to systems and methods for ultrasonic oxidative desulfurization of heavy fuel oils. In various embodiments, the methods include combinations of ultrasonic sulfone decomposition processes and/or catalytic decomposition processes.

A method for oxidative desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method includes contacting a liquid fuel with a quantum dot hybrid catalyst including metal sulfide quantum dots intercalated over graphene oxide layers in a reactor vessel, heating the reactor vessel to a temperature between 25 C. and 200 C., and reducing sulfur content of the liquid fuel with a sulfur reduction amount of more than 95% wt. Reducing the sulfur content of the liquid fuel with the sulfur reduction amount of more than 95% wt. includes producing sulfone and sulfoxide compounds by oxidizing the liquid fuel with ozone gas in the presence of the quantum dot hybrid catalyst at the temperature between 25 C. and 200 C., and separating the sulfone and sulfoxide compounds from the liquid fuel by extracting the sulfone and sulfoxide with an extraction solvent.

A method for oxidative desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method includes contacting a liquid fuel with a quantum dot hybrid catalyst including metal sulfide quantum dots intercalated over graphene oxide layers in a reactor vessel, heating the reactor vessel to a temperature between 25 C. and 200 C., and reducing sulfur content of the liquid fuel with a sulfur reduction amount of more than 95% wt. Reducing the sulfur content of the liquid fuel with the sulfur reduction amount of more than 95% wt. includes producing sulfone and sulfoxide compounds by oxidizing the liquid fuel with ozone gas in the presence of the quantum dot hybrid catalyst at the temperature between 25 C. and 200 C., and separating the sulfone and sulfoxide compounds from the liquid fuel by extracting the sulfone and sulfoxide with an extraction solvent.

The present invention discloses a process for enhancing quality of a hydrocarbon stream. More particularly, the present invention discloses a process for improvement of the combustion quality of a diesel range stream by dissolving an oxygen source in the feed stream before carrying out the oxidation, thereby enhancing the Cetane number, lubricity and reducing emission of the stream. The present invention also discloses a process for enhancing combustion quality of a hydrocarbon stream by carrying out the process in presence of an organometallic catalyst.

The present invention discloses a process for enhancing quality of a hydrocarbon stream. More particularly, the present invention discloses a process for improvement of the combustion quality of a diesel range stream by dissolving an oxygen source in the feed stream before carrying out the oxidation, thereby enhancing the Cetane number, lubricity and reducing emission of the stream. The present invention also discloses a process for enhancing combustion quality of a hydrocarbon stream by carrying out the process in presence of an organometallic catalyst.

The present invention provides selective extraction of sulfoxides, or sulfoxides in combination with sulfones, from hydrocarbon mixtures containing these compounds. A significant advantage of the invention is that oxidation products resulting from oxidative desulfurization of hydrocarbon feedstocks are selectively extracted with minimum co-extraction of non-oxidized products such as valuable hydrocarbon fuel components.

The present invention provides selective extraction of sulfoxides, or sulfoxides in combination with sulfones, from hydrocarbon mixtures containing these compounds. A significant advantage of the invention is that oxidation products resulting from oxidative desulfurization of hydrocarbon feedstocks are selectively extracted with minimum co-extraction of non-oxidized products such as valuable hydrocarbon fuel components.

A method for oxidative desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method includes contacting a liquid fuel with a quantum dot hybrid catalyst including metal sulfide quantum dots intercalated over graphene oxide layers in a reactor vessel, heating the reactor vessel to a temperature between 25 C. and 200 C., and reducing sulfur content of the liquid fuel with a sulfur reduction amount of more than 95% wt. Reducing the sulfur content of the liquid fuel with the sulfur reduction amount of more than 95% wt. includes producing sulfone and sulfoxide compounds by oxidizing the liquid fuel with ozone gas in the presence of the quantum dot hybrid catalyst at the temperature between 25 C. and 200 C., and separating the sulfone and sulfoxide compounds from the liquid fuel by extracting the sulfone and sulfoxide with an extraction solvent.

Catalysts for oxidative sulfur removal and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The catalysts contain one or more reactive metal salts dispersed on one or more substrates. Suitable reactive metal salts include those salts containing multivariable metals having variable valence or oxidation states and having catalytic activity with sulfur compounds present in gaseous fuel streams. In some embodiments, the catalyst contains one or more compounds that function as an oxygen sponge under the reaction conditions for oxidative sulfur removal. The catalysts can be used to oxidatively remove sulfur-containing compounds from fuel streams, particularly gaseous fuel streams having high sulfur content. Due to the reduced catalyst cost, anticipated long catalyst life and reduced adsorbent consumption, the catalysts described herein are expected to provide a 20-60% reduction in annual desulfurization cost for biogas with sulfur contents ranges from 1000-5000 ppmv compared with the best adsorbent approach.