Enhanced Biodesulfurization by Magnetic Immobilized Rhodococcus Erythropolis LSSE8-1-Vgb Assembled with Nano-Al2O3

Biodesulfurization activity can be enhanced by assembling nano -Al2O3 particles on the magnetic immobilized Rhodococcus erythropolis LSSE8-1-vgb. The cells can be collected and reused conveniently by an external magnetic field. Firstly, cells were magnetic immobilized by coating with Fe3O4 nano-particles. The optimal ratio of cells to magnetic Fe3O4 nano-particles was determined to be 50:1 (g/g). Then nano-c-Al2O3 adsorbents were assembled onto the cells to enhance the desulfurization activity. The nano-c-Al2O3 adsorbent had the largest pore volume as well as specific surface area, and the strongest electrostatics interaction with microbial cell, and cells assembled with this nano-adsorbent performed the highest desulfurization activity. The activity of magnetic immobilized cells assembled with adsorbents was tested in desulfurization of model oil. The desulfurization rate was raised by nearly 20% when the amount ratio of magnetic particles to adsorbents was 1:5 (g/g). These cells can be reused. The activity decreased less than 10% through out three desulfurization- activation-reuse recycles.