Methods of using and preparing metal sulfide catalyst

A method for converting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to hydrogen (H2) and sulfur(S), the method comprising:

• introducing a H2S-containing feed gas stream into a reactor comprising a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) catalyst, wherein the MoS2 catalyst is in the form of a flower-like nanosheet microsphere or a nanosheet;
• passing the H2S-containing feed gas stream through the reactor to contact the H2S-containing feed gas stream with the MoS2 catalyst at a temperature of about 500 to about 1000° C., thereby converting at least a portion of the H2S to H2 and S and producing a spent catalyst in-situ and a residue gas stream leaving the reactor, wherein the S is deposited on surfaces and pores of the MoS2 catalyst in the formation of the spent catalyst;
• and
• separating the H2 from the residue gas stream to generate a H2-containing product gas stream.