Synthesis, characterization and cyclohexene hydrogenation activity of high surface area molybdenum disulfide catalysts

An ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) catalyst precursor is synthesized and then thermally decomposed at different temperatures in N₂ or H₂ atmosphere. Characterization of the resulting compounds by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface area analysis indicates the formation of MoS₂–2H with a surface area of 5–9 m²/g. When ATTM is treated with cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and then decomposed in N₂ at 723 K, the resulting material has a surface area nearing 200 m²/g. If treatment also includes hydrazine, the surface area of the resulting MoS₂–2H reaches 215 m²/g. Analysis by XRD and electron microscopy shows a noticeable dispersion in the layers of the resulting MoS₂. The catalytic activity of the materials is tested in a batch reactor for cyclohexene hydrogenation, where the highest activity sulfides are those obtained by thermal decomposition of the chemically treated precursors in N₂.