Catalytic aerobic desulfurization of fuels in the presence of nanosized mixed carbide FeWC

•Mixed carbide (FeWC) was successfully applied in aerobic desulfurization.•Synthesis by microwave irradiation allows to obtain a nanoscale catalyst in 15 min.•Dibenzothiophene can be completely oxidized in 1 h at 130 °C, 6 atm air pressure.•Total sulfur content in straight-run gasoline can be reduced from 996 to 6 ppm.•The catalyst retains its activity for at least 5 cycles of oxidation-regeneration.