Abstract
•Various Technologies for sulfur organic compounds removal from fuels were reviewed.•Several nanomaterials used in desulfurization of thiophenes were discussed.•Trending catalysts used in hydrodesulfurization of thiophenes were reviewed.•Trends in desulfurization technologies to achieve complete sulfur removal were highlighted.
Sulfur compounds, which commonly exist in substantial amounts in produced oil, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, cause a wide range of negative consequences including pollution, reduced engine efficiency, severe corrosion of pipelines, reactors, and equipment, as well as the poisoning of catalysts. Consequently, strict environmental rules and constraints are in place to keep the amount of sulfur in the air to a bare minimum. To achieve this objective, desulfurization or removal of sulfur is applied commonly in most refinery plants. In this review, numerous methods, adsorbents and catalysts used for the elimination of sulfur compounds are investigated. The review presents an overview of the emerging technologies for ultra-deep desulfurization to obtain ultra-low-sulfur fuels. The development of robust adsorbents and nanomaterials with ideal regeneration approaches is required to establish the capabilities of desulfurization processes. This review is expected to provide essential references and future directions for developing desulfurization technologies and materials for practical applications.