Novel magnetic molybdenum disulfide catalyst and its application in hydrocracking reaction

A magnetic molybdenum disulfide (Fe–Fe 2 O 3 @PDA@MoS 2 ) was prepared and evaluated as a dispersive viscosity reducing catalyst for the heavy oil. The catalysts were analyzed using a variety of characterization methods, and the effects of preparation method and oleic acid treatment on performance were also compared. The particle size of Fe–Fe 2 O 3 magnetic nanochains was about 80 nm, the saturation magnetization strength was 110 emu/g, and the components in the nanochains were mainly iron elements. The catalyst further prepared by liquid phase precipitation had unique flower-like structure and good viscosity reduction ability. The loading amount of MoS 2 was 16.7 wt% and the saturation magnetization was 36.3 emu/g, while the saturation magnetization of the oleic acid treated sample was 28.9 emu/g. The as-prepared Fe–Fe 2 O 3 @PDA@MoS 2 can reach more than viscosity reduction 99% under 10 MPa hydrogen pressure and 400 ~ 415 °C. In addition, the component analyses of four groups (saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltenes) for the liquid products in the heavy oil were conducted to analysis the mechanism of viscosity reduction of catalyst.