Process of removing a metal from a fluid hydrocarbon

A process of removing a metal contaminant from a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, comprising contacting a contaminated mixture comprising a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, at least one fuel additive provided in an initial additive concentration, and a metal contaminant provided in an initial metal concentration, with a sorbent comprising graphene oxide treated with a polycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof;

• the contacting being conducted under conditions sufficient to provide a purified hydrocarbon fuel comprising the liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the at least one fuel additive provided in substantially the initial additive concentration, and a reduced metal concentration of the metal contaminant as compared with the initial metal concentration.

A purified liquid hydrocarbon fuel being prepared by a process comprising:

• contacting a contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising at least one fuel additive in an initial additive concentration, and comprising a metal contaminant in an initial metal concentration of greater than 5 ppb, with a sorbent comprising graphene oxide treated with a polycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof, the contacting being conducted under conditions sufficient to produce the purified liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising the at least one fuel additive in substantially the initial additive concentration, and further comprising the metal contaminant in a reduced metal concentration equal to or less than 5 ppb.