Single step and template-free synthesis of Dandelion flower-like core-shell architectures of metal oxide microspheres: Influence of sulfidation on particle morphology & hydrodesulfurization performance

Abstract

A novel, efficient, and eco-friendly template-free hydrothermal method developed for the synthesis of Dandelion shape trimetallic (Ni, Y, Mo) oxide hollow microspheres decorated with nanosheets is reported. The oxide state material was transformed into a sulfide catalyst without losing of the core-shell structure and was used for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of the dibenzothiophene. The nanostructured sulfided catalyst exhibited excellent HDS behavior with an initial reaction rate of 42 × 10−8 molDBT.(gcat.s)-1 (at 320 °C and 55 bar hydrogen pressure) as well as outstanding particle morphology stability after the catalytic test, as shown by SEM and HRTEM analysis of the used catalyst. The Dandelion type microspheres containing Ni, Y, and Mo metal oxides with core-shell architecture which after sulfidation could be used as efficient and selective catalysts for the diesel cut industrial hydrodesulfurization. A plausible reaction mechanism also proposed for the formation of Dandelion flower-like hollow sphere oxide catalyst.