Atomic-scale insight into adsorption of sterically hindered dibenzothiophenes on MoS2 and Co-Mo-S hydrotreating catalysts

► With STM, we investigate DBT and 4,6-DMDBT adsorption on MoS2 hydrotreating model catalysts. ► Our results reveal the atomic-scale adsorption sites on the MoS2 nanoparticles. ► The results suggest two different sites for sulfur extraction and hydrogenation during hydrodesulfurization.