One-step synthesis of mesoporous alumina-supported molybdenum carbide with enhanced activity for thiophene hydrodesulfurization

A new mesoporous alumina-supported molybdenum carbide (Mo2C/gamma-MA) has been successfully prepared by one-step hydrolysis method without template, followed by carbonization with a mixed gas of CH4 and H-2. The Mo2C particles (2.5 +/- 0.3 nm) are homogeneously dispersed in the gamma-alumina (gamma-MA) framework and exhibit high catalytic activity and stability for thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS). Taking 1 wt% thiophene (3810 ppm S) as an example, the Mo2C/gamma-MA exhibits 92% thiophene conversion, higher than the MoS2/gamma-MA (85%), and other molybdenum carbides supported over commercial alumina and gamma-MA prepared by the impregnation method. The stability test demonstrated that the Mo2C/gamma-MA almost showed no deactivation during 150 h reaction, and no obvious carbon deposition and sulfurization of Mo2C species were observed over the spent Mo2C/gamma-MA. The high HDS activity and stability of the Mo2C/gamma-MA for HDS could be attributed to the formation of small Mo2C nanoparticles, appropriate surface acidity and the strong interaction between Mo2C species and alumina inhibiting the sulfurization of Mo2C species.

Automated summary

The Mo2C/gamma-MA catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity and stability for thiophene hydrodesulfurization, attributed to the small Mo2C nanoparticles formation, appropriate surface acidity, and strong interaction between Mo2C species and alumina inhibiting sulfurization.