An approach to preparing porous and hollow metal phosphides with higher hydrodesulfurization activity

This paper describes an effective method for the synthesis of metal phosphides. Bulk and supported Ni2P, Cu3P, and CoP were prepared by thermal treatment of metal and the amorphous red phosphorus mixtures. Porous and hollow Ni2P particles were also synthesized successfully using this method. The structural properties of these products are investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP–AES) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). A rational mechanism was proposed for the selective formation of Ni2P particles. In experimental conditions, the Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst exhibits excellent hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity for dibenzothiophene (DBT).

Bulk and supported Ni2P, Cu3P, and CoP were prepared by thermal treatment of their metal and amorphous red phosphorus mixtures. Porous and hollow Ni2P particles were successfully synthesized by this method also. In the experimental condition, a Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst exhibits excellent hydrodesulfurization activity for dibenzothiophene.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new synthetic route by heat treating mixtures of metal and red phosphorus in flowing N2 to prepare corresponding metal phosphides.
► Porous and hollow Ni2P particles may successfully be obtained using the route.
► It is very easy to synthesize other bulk and supported metal phosphides using the mixing of bulk and supported metal and red phosphorus by the method.
► The Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst synthesized by the route shows a good HDS of dibenzothiophene.
► Its operation is simple (only heat treating pure metal and red phosphorus), and the reaction time is short (only 0.5 h).