Mesoporous nanosilica-supported polyoxomolybdate as catalysts for sustainable desulfurization.

Abstract Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) strategically functionalized were used to immobilize a homogeneous polyoxomolybdate catalyst [PMo 12 O 40 ]3- (PMo 12), active but unstable. The PMo 12 @TBA-MSN composite (where TBA refers to surface-tethered tributylammonium groups) conferred high stability to the polyoxomolybdate catalytic center and displayed an increase in efficiency for the oxidative desulfurization (ECODS) of a diesel simulant under sustainable conditions (using H 2 O 2 as oxidant and an ionic liquid, [BMIM]PF 6 , as solvent). Continuous reuse of the catalyst and ionic liquid solvent in consecutive ECODS cycles was successfully performed, avoiding the production of residual wastes. The performance of the PMo 12 @TBA-MSN catalyst improved upon its reuse, leading to complete desulfurization of a multicomponent model diesel containing benzothiophene derivatives after just 1 h of the catalytic stage of the process. The robust nature of the supported catalyst was indicated by characterization of the recovered solid which showed retention of the structural and chemical integrities. Graphical abstract Novel mesoporous nanosilica-supported polyoxometalate showing high efficiency and reusability in the desulfurization of model diesel is described. Image 1 Highlights • Strategically functionalized MSNs as supports for immobilization of [PMo 12 O 40 ]3-. • Complete desulfurization achieved after only 2 h using both catalysts. • The catalyst has shown its efficiency and reusability under sustainable conditions. • Continuous reuse of catalyst and extraction solvent reduced of residual wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]