Inverse GC Investigation of the Adsorption of Thiophenic Compounds on Zeolites

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) has been used to examine the adsorption of organo-sulfur compounds on various zeolites. Results obtained were used to explain the behaviour of these materials as adsorbents for ultra-deep desulfurisation of fuels. The model compounds chosen were thiophene and 2,5-dimethylthiophene, with zeolite adsorbents NaX, HX, NaY and HY. Zeolite NaY showed the largest adsorption capacity. Adsorption isotherms in the gas phase are not representative of saturation adsorption in the liquid phase. However, the heat of adsorption and the specific interaction parameter were found to be well correlated to the strength and the selectivity of adsorption in the liquid phase by the different zeolites. The main conclusion of this work is that IGC is a useful tool for preliminary comparison of different adsorbents for the removal of sulfur compounds from fuels.