Example 3
Characterization of the Activated CoMoS Catalysts
Textural properties of the catalysts were evaluated via N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis at 77 k using a Micromeretics ASAP 2020. The catalysts (approximately 0.1 g each) were initially degassed under flowing argon at 523 k for 2.5 h. The BET method was used to calculate the surface area, whereas absorption branch of BJH method was applied to calculate the pore size and pore volume of the catalysts.
FTIR spectra of the catalysts were recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR spectrometer with a wavelength range of 400-4000 cm−1. The FTIR sample pellets were prepared using a mixture of the respective catalyst and KBr at a weight ratio of 1:100.
Catalyst crystallinity and the distribution of CoMo on the silica support were determined by scanning the catalysts' X-ray diffraction pattern between 20 to 80° 2θ at 40 kV and 40 mA using a Rigaku Ultima IV X-ray diffractometer.
Surface morphology of the catalysts was imaged using a JEOL JSM-6610LV scanning electron microscope. Element mapping with the corresponding EDX spectrum were recorded using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer.
The degree of Mo sulfidation of the catalysts due to different activation conditions were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) using a PHI 5000 Versa Probe II, ULVAC-PHI Inc. spectroscope.