Effect of Mesostructured Zirconia Support on the Activity and Selectivity of 4,6-Dimethydibenzothiophene Hydrodesulfurization

In contrast with the conventional CoMoS/alumina catalyst, the use of amorphous mesostructured ZrO2 as support for the dispersion of the CoMoS active phase in deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene led to a higher promotion rate and a better sulfidation of the cobalt species. The CoMoS, dispersed over mesostructured amorphous ZrO2 as catalyst, also induced a modification of the main desulfurization way; in this case, a shift towards direct desulfurization selectivity was observed. This result was unexpected regarding the literature. Indeed, the hydrogenated route was observed for commercial zirconia. The designed catalysts are therefore more eco-friendly, since they consume less hydrogen. This implies a better use of the fossil resources.