Facile ambient pressure propylene carbonate solution synthesis of highly divided CoMoS solids

Abstract One-pot synthesis of highly dispersed Co-Mo-S materials is achieved in propylene carbonate solutions by means of ambient pressure reflux of elemental sulfur, ammonium heptamolybdate and cobalt nitrate mixtures. The solids were characterized and compared with benchmark references in thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The sequence of reactants addition is important: simultaneous addition of Co and Mo precursors or reaction of Mo followed by addition of Co salt give higher surface areas and better HDS activity than starting the reaction with Co salt and then adding Mo precursor.