Development of a Magnetically Recyclable Molybdenum Disulfide Catalyst for Direct Hydrodesulfurization

Abstract

Abstract Superparamagnetic MoS 2 /SiO 2 /Fe 3 O 4 catalysts that consist of magnetite as the core, silica as the covering layer, and molybdenum sulfide as the top layer were prepared in easy steps. Two different surfactants (anionic and cationic) were used to assist with the synthesis of two of the samples, and one sample was prepared without surfactant. The surfactant was found to have a significant effect on the properties and activity of the final catalysts. Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) tests of the catalysts show higher activity for the cationic‐surfactant‐assisted catalyst. Between the direct desulfurization (DDS) and hydrogenation pathways for the prepared catalysts, the DDS pathway was found to be dominant for the HDS of dibenzothiophene. As a result of the magnetic properties of this catalyst, it can be separated easily from the reaction media by a magnetic field applied externally and reused, which makes it an ideal choice for slurry reactors that process heavy and extra‐heavy crude oil.