Hierarchically porous ZSM-5/SBA-15 composite: Tuning pore structure and acidity for hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene

Series ZSM-5/SBA-15 (ZS15-x) composites with different pore structure and acidity were synthesized, and the corresponding NiMo/ZS15-x catalysts were prepared for dibenzothiophene (DBT) hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The controlled introduction of ZSM-5 nanocrystal imparts more acid sites to the NiMo/ZS15 catalyst without altering its fundamental morphology. Furthermore, the increased presence of acid sites enhances the HDS effect of NiMo/ZS15-x catalysts. Simultaneously, the introduction of ZSM-5 nanocrystal modulates the interactions between metal and support (MSI), thereby promoting the dispersion of the active sites. The optimized NiMo/ZS15-50 exhibited superior HDS activities of 98.9 % for DBT, with the optimal reaction rate constant of 3.0 × 10−7 mol/g s−1 and turnover frequency of 2.0 × 10−4 s−1. This can be attributed to its two-dimensional open channels, suitable acidic sites and highly dispersed MoS2. The increased proportion of the ZSM-5 framework and enhanced acidity are advantageous for DBT HDS.