XAS study of Mo-based dispersed catalysts for upgrading of heavy oil

Results of X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of Mo-based dispersed catalysts in the coke residue after catalytic steam cracking, catalytic cracking in the absence of water, and hydrocracking processes are reported. It was found that the catalyst precursor (ammonium heptamolybdate) is transformed to three different forms with the different ratios: MoO₃, MoO₂, and MoS₂. After the catalytic steam cracking, the catalyst contains mainly MoO₂ (∼74%), whereas after hydrocracking, the prevalent form is MoS₂ (∼75%). The precursor after water-free catalytic cracking is transformed into 37% MoO₂ and 63% MoS₂. The catalyst genesis scheme in the processing of heavy oil was suggested, taking into account that reaction media affect the active phase formation, resulting in different composition and properties of products.