Cerium hexaboride catalyst synthesized via microwave-assisted synthesis for aerobic oxidative desulfurization

Abstract

In this study, the catalytic performance of CeB₆, synthesized by a rapid microwave-assisted method, was investigated in the aerobic oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), a representative model refractory sulfur compound. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of phase-pure CeB₆ with well-developed crystalline morphology. The CeB₆ catalyst demonstrated high conversion (up to 95%) at a relatively low temperature of 150 °C using only air as an oxidant. These findings provide new insights into the redox functionality of lanthanide hexaborides and their potential as a catalyst for oxidative desulfurization processes.