Abstract: The MoS₂ nanocatalyst of 3–5 layers and surface area as high as 71 m²/g was synthesized via a chemical reaction between molybdenum carbonyl and chalcogen. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of n-dodecanethiol and dibenzothiophene (DBT) was studied over the MoS₂ nanocatalyst. Compared with the commercial MoS₂ with lower surface area of 3 m²/g, the MoS₂ nanocatalyst showed much higher activity. 100% conversion in HDS at temperatures of 200 °C for dodecanethiol and 280 °C for DBT was achieved under p(H₂) = 3.0 MPa.

Key words: molybdenum disulfide, nanocatalyst, hydrodesulfurization, n-dodecanethiol, dibenzothiophene