Modulating Crystallization of MoS₂ Nanostructures by Dimethyl Sulfoxide for Enhanced Hydrodesulfurization

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) is a well-qualified active component in hydrodesulfurization (HDS). However, the crystallinity of MoS 2 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 MoS 2 with well-defined crystallinity for enhanced HDS. The crystallization rate of MoS 2 is precisely adjusted using different sulfur sources and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) additives. Intermediates generated during hydrothermal synthesis of MoS 2 are analyzed to reveal the crystallization mechanism. DMSO alters the pathway of MoS 2 reaction crystallization and changes the crystallization rate to achieve morphology control. MoS 2 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 MoS 2 catalyst shows high HDS activity and tunable product selectivity.