Guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation reaction catalyzed by highly dispersed, single layered MoS2/C

Highly disordered MoS2, dispersed on a carbon support was prepared by a microemulsion technique and its application as a catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol, a typical model compound of lignin, was investigated. The deoxygenation reaction was the predominant route, producing phenol as a major product. It is also demonstrated that the single layered MoS2/C catalyst showed superior activity and better deoxygenation and hydrogenation properties than the stacked MoS2/C catalyst. The reusability test showed good catalyst stability after 4 catalytic cycles were performed. Catalyst surface morphological changes, sulphur loss and its effect on conversion of guaiacol and selectivity to products were studied using multiple analytical methods such as TEM, XPS, CHNS, N-2 adsorption and Raman analyses. The performance of the MoS2-based catalyst during guaiacol HDO reactions indicated its potential for upgrading of lignin.