Zinc oxide-nanoparticle impregnated poultry droppings activated carbon for model oil desulfurization: Experimental investigation and regression modelling with uncertainty quantification

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This study presents a novel, eco-friendly approach for adsorptive desulfurization , utilizing Poultry Droppings (PD) and Garlic Peel (GP) wastes to develop a high-performance green adsorbent for the removal of Dibenzothiopene (DBT) from Model Oil (MO). PD was thermally and chemically modified to PD-Activated Carbon (PDAC) and PDAC impregnated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (PDAC-ZnO-NPs). The produced adsorbents (PDAC and PDAC-ZnO-NPs) were appropriately characterized. Batch adsorption experiment was designed by Definitive Screening Design (DSD) for parameters: adsorption temperature (25 – 50°C), contact time (10 – 60 min), agitation rate (50 – 250 rpm), and adsorbent dosage (50 – 250 mg). ZnO nanoparticle impregnation increased the surface area from 965 m²/g to 981 m²/g and enhanced the availability of oxygen-containing functional groups, thereby improving DBT affinity. The BET surface area increased from 965 m²/g to 981 m²/g after ZnO-NP impregnation, indicating enhanced adsorption capacity . The equilibrium data for DBT removal were fitted to isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic models , with model constants evaluated. The desulfurization process achieved an optimum DBT percentage removal (%DBTR) of 85.47 % with PDAC and 95.12 % with PDAC-ZnO-NPs. The desulfurization equilibrium data fitted the Freundlich isotherm, the Pseudo-Second-Order (PSO) kinetic model and, thermodynamic analysis indicated that DBT removal process was spontaneous and endothermic, with entropy (ΔS) and enthalpy (ΔH) changes of 140.12 J/mol·K and 40.25 kJ/mol for PDAC, and 110.49 J/mol·K and 30.01 kJ/mol for PDAC-ZnO-NPs respectively. The %DBTR decreased by 6.1 % for PDAC-ZnO-NPs after five regeneration cycles, demonstrating its reusability . This study demonstrates the potential of sustainable bio-based adsorbents for efficient adsorptive desulfurization, paving the way for cleaner fuel production and enhanced environmental sustainability.