Catalytic Activity of Synthesized 2D MoS2/Graphene Nanocomposite for the Hydrodesulfurization of Naphtha

In this study, Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process was used to remove sulfur compounds from refined petroleum products such as naphtha. 2D MoS2/G nanocomposite and nano MoS2 catalysts were prepared via ball-milling system and characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, SEM, TEM, STEM, ICP, BET surface, TPR and NH3-TPD techniques. During the HDS process, the performance of the synthesized catalysts was investigated and then the optimal HDS catalyst was selected and evaluated to mitigate the operating conditions. The results indicated that 2D MoS2/G nanocomposite catalyst reduced the total sulfur content in naphtha from 2500 ppm to 0 ppm in facile operating conditions, which maintained a higher conversion rate compared to industrial catalysts in milder operating conditions. Also, the effect of surface area, pore diameter and acidity of nanocatalysts on the performance of hydrogen desulfurization activity has been investigated. The results showed that the higher the surface area, porosity and nanocatalyst acidity, the better the efficiency of hydrogen desulfurization process.