Reaction kinetics of direct hydrogen reduction of molybdenum disulfide in the presence of lime: A single pellet experimental investigation

Recovery of pure molybdenum from molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was studied by following the progress of reduction of molybdenum disulfide with hydrogen in the presence of calcium oxide. The reaction was conducted on solid reactants comprised in a pellet and monitored using thermogravimetric method. The influence of important parameters such as temperature (1123-1373 K), thickness of the pellet (2-11 mm), concentration of hydrogen, molar mixing ratio of the solid reactants and purity of the starting MoS2, on the reaction was experimentally investigated. Lime was found to enhance the reduction rate of MoS2 significantly while substantially reducing emissions of hydrogen sulfide.