Comparison of molybdenum carbide and tungsten carbide for the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene

The molybdenum and tungsten carbides (Mo₂C and W₂C) were synthesized, characterized and tested in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT). The phase purity of these catalysts was established by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the surface properties were determined by N₂ BET specific surface area (Sg) measurements, CO chemisorption and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The activities of catalysts were determined during the HDS of DBT at a temperature of 613 K and under a 6 MPa total pressure. Both molybdenum and tungsten carbides were active in HDS of DBT. The reactivity studies showed that molybdenum carbide was more active than tungsten carbide related to weight. However, W₂C was shown to possess stronger hydrogenating properties.