Catalytic hydrodesulfurization over the Mo(100) single crystal surface: I. Kinetics and overall mechanism

Abstract

The hydrodesulfurization of thiophene is catalyzed by the Mo(100) crystal surface at atmospheric pressures. The product distribution is similar to that detected over a high-surface-area powdered MoS 2 catalyst. Detailed kinetic studies have been performed in the I atm pressure regime and in the temperature range of 250–425 °C. The initial reaction steps involve the desulfurization of thiophene to produce butadiene with an activation energy of 14.4 kcal/mole. Butenes and butane are produced via the subsequent hydrogenation of butadiene. The catalytic surface is predominantly covered with the partially hydrogenated hydrocarbon intermediates in the hydrogenation pathway. The hydrogen coverage on the other hand is very low and varies in proportion to p 1 2 ( H 2 ) .