Synthesis of MoS2 nanorods and their catalytic test in the HDS of dibenzothiophene

Partially sulfided nanostructures were synthesized by direct sulfurization of alpha-MoO3 nanorods using a mixture of H2S/H-2, 15 vol%, at several temperatures (400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 degrees C). These materials were tested as catalysts in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and characterized by specific surface areas using the expression developed by Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET equation), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM images show a gradual evolution from a smooth surface to a rough material, presenting some type of holes all over the particles, but keeping their rod-like structure throughout sulfidation. The results of evaluating the catalysts in the HDS of DBT showed that the best temperature for sulfidation is 500 degrees C. In all samples, a higher selectivity for hydrogenation over sulfur removal was observed.