Enhanced methanation stability of nano-sized MoS2 catalysts by adding Al2O3

A series of unsupported MoS2 catalysts with or without Al2O3 modification was prepared using a modified thermal decomposition approach. The catalysts were tested for the methanation of carbon monoxide and the optimum one has 25.6 wt-% Al2O3 content. The catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption measurement, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that adding appropriate amount of Al2O3 increases the dispersion of MoS2, and the increased interaction force between MoS2 and Al2O3 can inhibit the sintering of active MoS2 to some extent. [graphic not available: see fulltext]