Heavy oil upgrading using magnetic molybdenum disulfide catalyst

Abstract In this work, the magnetic molybdenum disulfide catalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2@MoS2) was prepared and evaluated as a dispersed catalyst for the viscosity reduction of Canadian oil sand asphalt. The flower-like MoS2 formed and some Fe3O4@SiO2 particles were deposited on the surface of MoS2. The catalytic reaction was carried out at 400°C and hydrogen pressure of 15 MPa. The results showed that the viscosity of the liquid product at 50°C dramatically decreased from 4660 mPa·s to 76.9 mPa·s and the degree of viscosity reduction reached 98%