Preparation of Cu(І) Decorated 2D Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Adsorption Desulfurization from Model Fuel

Abstract In this study, Cu(І) decorated two‐dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) adsorbents were prepared by a ball‐milling method, and their adsorption‐desorption performances were tested by batch adsorption experiments. The results showed that Cu(ІI) can be completely reduced to Cu(І) without adding any additional reducing agents during the ball‐milling process, owing to the ability of black phosphorus to provide electrons to Cu(ІI). Moreover, the produced Cu(І) species were firmly anchored on BPNSs surface through chemical bonds formed between Cu and P atoms, effectively preventing them from aggregating. As the active sites on BPNSs surface, Cu(I) species can adsorb dibenzothiophene or benzothiophene from fuel by forming π‐complexation bonds with them. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for dibenzothiophene and benzothiophene were 13.16 and 18.02 mg S/g, respectively. Besides, the adsorption desulfurization activity can be recovered well by adopting simple thermal treatment.