Synthesis of an iron phosphide catalyst based on sulfides and hydrodesulfurization property

Bulk and SiO 2 supported iron phosphide (FeP) samples were synthesized with a mixture of iron sulfide (FeS) and sodium hypophosphite (NaH 2 PO 2 ·H 2 O). The physical and chemical properties of the as-prepared FeP/SiO 2 were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. Dibenzothiophene was effectively hydrodesulfurized over the as-synthesized FeP/SiO 2 (Fe: 10 wt.%). The as-prepared FeP/SiO 2 shows a higher activity than the FeP/SiO 2 obtained by the temperature-programmed reduction route. The Fe–P–S species constructed in situ may be responsible for the higher activity. The method is also feasibly applicable in synthesizing other transition metal phosphides.