Catalytic activity of exfoliated MoS2 in hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and hydrogenation reactions

The activity of exfoliated MoS2 in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene, the hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of carbazole and the hydrogenation of naphthalene has been determined. The catalytic activity was compared to MoS2 prepared by the decomposition of molybdenum naphthenate (MoNaph). Exfoliated MoS2 was found to give better overall HDS activity compared to MoNaph derived MoS2 catalyst, whereas MoNaph derived MoS2 was found to give higher hydrogenation and HDN activity. These results are discussed in terms of the morphology of the two catalysts. The relative activity of the two catalysts in the hydrotreating reactions is shown to be different to that obtained during Cold Lake bitumen hydrocracking.