An Esca Study of Intermediate Oxidation States in Cobalt-Mol Ybdenum-Alumina Catalysts

Abstract
Changes in the oxidation states of molybdenum in a Co-Mo-alumina catalyst are reported as a function of reduction time. Mo(VI), Mo(V) and Mo(IV) were seen, but not Mo(III). Reduction of the catalyst is necessary for thiophene desulfurization. Sulfiding of the catalyst in H2S/H2 showed conversion to MoS2. Use of H2S/H2 also produced sulfiding of the cobalt.