Dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization activity of MoS2 supported in sol-gel ZrO2-TiO2 mixed oxides

In this work, we report the effect of support composition on the properties of MoS, impregnated in sol-gel ZrO2-TiO2 mixed oxides as dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization catalyst. The supports calcined at 500degreesC were characterized by N-2 physisorption and X-ray diffraction (electronic radial distribution function). The oxidic impregnated materials (2.8 Mo atoms/nm(2)) were sulfided at 400degreesC under a H2S/H-2 stream. The sample impregnated on the equimolar support showed the highest activity per mass of catalysts whereas the one with TiO2 carrier was superior in a per mass of Mo basis. Marked differences in products selectivity were observed by TiO2 addition in the supports. The hydrodesulfurization route to partially hydrogenated compounds was favored over the mixed oxides-supported catalysts meanwhile the direct desulfurization (to biphenyl) was promoted on the ZrO2-supported solid. It is suggested that among other properties the dispersion and morphology of the MoS2 phase could influence that behavior.