CoMoS catalyst preparation method using a triblock copolymer

A method of preparing a CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst, the method comprising:

• mixing a nonionic triblock copolymer composed of a central poly(propylene oxide) chain flanked by two poly(ethylene oxide) chains with HCl to form an acidified structural directing surfactant;
• mixing a molybdenum precursor, a cobalt precursor, a mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilane, and the acidified structural directing surfactant, and a solvent to form a reaction mixture;
• hydrothermally treating the reaction mixture at a temperature of 90 to 100° C. then drying to form a dried mass;
• and
• calcining the dried mass in argon gas thereby forming the CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst,
• wherein
• the CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst is disposed on a support material comprising a mesoporous silica,
• the CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst has a BET surface area of 250-300 m2/g,
• the CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst has a microporous surface area of 83-92 m2/g.
• the CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst has a microporous pore volume of 0.054-0.058 cm3/g, and
• the CoMoS hydrodesulfurization catalyst has a total pore volume of 0.187-0.102 cm3/g.