Novel bulk single-component sulfide catalysts were prepared under the
conditions of solid-phase dispersion of МoS2 molybdenite
at various mechanical treatment times and various amounts of polar and nonpolar
liquid microadditives. The chemical degradation of the samples in the air was
found to lead to the formation of surface sulfate anions that shield
catalytically active Mo sites. Indirect correlations of the hydrodesulfurization
ability of MoS2 powders with the concentration of sulfate
anions on their surface, and with the aqueous pH in the powder suspensions,
including the dielectric permittivity of the organic dopants, can serve as
reference indicators of high catalytic activity in the model reaction of
dibenzothiophene hydrogenolysis. The study identified the most active sample
able to run for an extended time during multiple cycles without losing its
catalytic properties. Also, the paper discusses the dibenzothiophene conversion
routes, the product composition, the probable structure of active sites in the
catalysts, and the desulfurization degree of diesel fuel components.