Modulating Crystallization of MoS2 Nanostructures by Dimethyl Sulfoxide for Enhanced Hydrodesulfurization

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a well-qualified active component in hydrodesulfurization (HDS). However, the crystallinity of MoS2 is hardly fine-tuned at nanoscale to increase further active sites and their accessibility for pursuing higher catalytic performance. In this study, a facile one-pot hydrothermal method is developed to prepare MoS2 with well-defined crystallinity for enhanced HDS. The crystallization rate of MoS2 is precisely adjusted using different sulfur sources and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) additives. Intermediates generated during hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2 are analyzed to reveal the crystallization mechanism. DMSO alters the pathway of MoS2 reaction crystallization and changes the crystallization rate to achieve morphology control. MoS2 nanoflowers composed of 5 nm-length nanosheets are prepared, which have coexistence of 1T and 2H phases and enriched (S–S)2– surface structures. The as-synthesized MoS2 catalyst shows high HDS activity and tunable product selectivity.