Synthesis of Ni-Mo-W sulfide nanorods as catalyst for hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene

Two trimetallic sulfurs, MoWNiS and MoWSNi, were synthesized to be used as a catalyst in hydrodesulfurization reactions. The mixed oxide mesoporous nanostructured MoO3 -WO3 with an Mo:W atomic ratio of 1:1 was used as the precursor. The first catalyst was prepared by impregnating nickel in the oxide precursor and then subsequent sulfiding with an H2S/H2 mix at 400 degrees C for 2 hours. The second catalyst was prepared by sulfiding the precursor and then impregnating the nickel, and finally reducing the material with a H2/N2 at 350 degrees C. In both catalysts the Mo:W:Ni atomic ratio was maintained at 1:1:0.5. The materials obtained were characterized by physical adsorption of nitrogen, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the materials obtained were evaluated by a dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfuration reaction. The diffraction patterns show that both materials are polycrystalline and mainly of MoS2 and WS2 phases.