Performance assessment of hydrodesulphurization and adsorptive desulphurization with respect to sustainable development goals: Challenges and recent advancements

Sulphur in transportation oil impedes its quality and is a major contributor to global air pollution; for which desulphurization is a major agenda for research. Two robust technologies in vogue are the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) and the adsorptive desulphurization (ADS) of crude oil used for transportation. While high desulphurization and commercialization are the pillars, the concerning area is the non-compliance of HDS for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with respect to clean, affordable energy and for combating climate change. ADS, on the other hand is SDG compliable but lacks commercial expertise. Besides their underlying technology, the operational factors, an important aspect covered in the review is a comparative assessment and challenges of the ADS and HDS technologies. Based on the outcomes of research advancements, some of the emerging areas making a breakthrough are identified towards integration of nanotechnology in catalyst formulation, machine learning in process optimization and venturing towards use of hybrid technologies. Research advancements towards the proposed roadmap allows for sustainable upgradation of oil refining.