Constructing high-performance and stable ZnO-based nanowires via donor-ion modification for reactive adsorption desulfurisation

Abstract

A one-dimensional Cr-doped chromium–zinc composite oxide nanowire desulfurizer was synthesized hydrothermally. This design was founded on the impurity doping theory of semiconductor metal oxides and the intrinsic structural advantages of one-dimensional nanostructures. As-prepared samples were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), enabling systematic evaluation of the influence of Cr doping concentration on the morphology, crystallinity, textural properties, and electronic structure of the nanomaterials. Furthermore, the influence of Cr doping on both the structural attributes and the desulphurisation performance was investigated in detail. The results revealed that the introduction of Cr induced the significant modifications in grain size, lattice parameters, crystal structure, and surface morphology, collectively enhancing desulfurization efficiency. Subsequent regeneration experiments demonstrated that excellent stability was maintained by the sorbent over multiple cycles. This enhanced regenerability was attributed to the ability of the one-dimensional nanowire structure to preserve its integrity under high-temperature regeneration conditions.