Molybdenum Catalysts

Molybdenum Catalysts Structure

Molybdenum-based catalysts have a number of important applications in the petroleum and plastics industries. A major use is in the hydrodesulfurisation (HDS) of petroleum, petrochemicals and coal-derived liquids. The catalyst comprises MoS2 supported on alumina and promoted by cobalt or nickel and is prepared by sullfiding cobalt and molybdenum oxides on alumina. 

As the world supply of crude oil is further extended and low-sulfur crudes become less available, Molybdenum-based catalysts will increase in use. Molybdenum not only allows for economical fuel refining but also contributes to a safer environment through lower sulfur emissions.

Molybdenum catalysts are resistant to poisoning by sulfur and, for example, catalyse conversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the pyrolysis of waste materials to alcohols in the presence of sulfur, under conditions that would poison precious metal catalysts. Similarly Mo-based catalysts have been used in the conversion of coal to hydrocarbon liquids.

 Molybdenum Disulfide Catalyst SEM

As a component of the bismuth molybdate selective oxidation catalyst molybdenum participates in the selective oxidation of, for example, propene, ammonia, and air to acrylonitrile, acetonitrile and other chemicals which are raw materials for the plastics and fibre industries. Similarly molybdenum in iron molybdate catalyses the selective oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. 

Cobalt / Nickel-Molybdenum Hydrotreating Catalyst

Cobalt-Molybdenum Hydrotreating Catalyst To Convert Organic Sulfur