Sustainability-Oriented Oxidative Desulfurization of Light Gas Oil Using a MoO 3 –Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 –Carbon Nanofiber Nanocomposite Catalyst: Performance, Kinetic Modeling, and Process Optimization

In the present study, a kinetic model was developed for the process of oxidative desulfurization of light gas oil with 7329 ppm sulfur using a newly synthesized nanocomposite catalyst. The batch reactor experiments were conducted at different thermal conditions (313–373 K) and reaction times (30–90 min) to explain this endeavor of desulfurization performance as a function of these variables, targeting the design of a reliable reactor system. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were integrated into the support γ-Al 2 O 3 at various concentrations of 5%, 7.5%, and 10% to improve mechanical properties, surface area, and distribution of active metals. The nanocomposite support was impregnated with molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) and iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) to form four variants of the catalyst: CAT-1 with 10% MoO 3 + 5% Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 + 5% CNF, CAT-2 with 10% MoO 3 + 5% Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 + 7.5% CNF, CAT-3 with 10% MoO 3 + 5% Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 + 10% CNF, and CAT-4 with 10% MoO 3 + 5% Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 with no CNF. CAT-3 had the best effectiveness for sulfur removal with 87.5% at 373 K and a reaction time of 90 min. The model predicts a maximum sulfur removal rate of 99.86% under optimal conditions of 550 K and 200 min (for an initial sulfur concentration of 7329 ppm). The experimental and modeling results therefore indicate the potential of the developed catalyst system, while the optimum condition at 550 K and 200 min should be interpreted as a model-predicted outcome. The development of such highly efficient nanocatalysts for deep desulfurization is a crucial advancement in green chemistry, directly contributing to the production of cleaner fuels to mitigate air pollution and supporting the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). From a sustainability perspective, the proposed ODS system supports cleaner fuel production and reduced sulfur-derived emissions, while operating-condition optimization helps improve process efficiency in support of more sustainable refining strategies.