A Review on Desulfurization of Kerosene using Ionic Liquids as Catalysts

Abstract

Kerosene, a very common household cooking fuel in Nigeria also has a number of secondary industry applications. It is a popular industrial and domestic energy source, due to its significant energy output. The major industrial applications of kerosene are in production of insecticides, pesticides and aviation fuels. However, issues associated with sulfur content limits its energy density and other industrial applications. Desulfurization of Kerosene is mainly targeting the reduction of sulfur related compounds. Effective, sufficient and develop sulfur removal technologies have been established. Acids and bases constitute the greater part of the catalysis in desulfurization, while, activated carbon is used in traditional desulfurization process, although, these technologies are not necessarily environmentally friendly. The use of Ionic Liquids (ILs) as green chemicals in sulfur removal has not been properly documented. Recently, the use of ILs in desulfurization is attracting the attention of research community. ILs are employed as catalysts and co-solvents due to their excellent acidity derived from inter-molecular bonding interactions. Therefore, ILs exhibit the tendency toward eliminating reactor corrosion; a major reaction engineering problem that has been posing serious challenges in desulfurization technologies. This research work, is aimed at reviewing desulfurization techniques and the use of ILs as green and environmentally friendly catalysts in desulfurization. Literature pool is provided with analyses of the potentials of ILs as emerging catalysts and their challenges discussed as well.