The nature of K-induced 2H and 1T’-MoS(2) species and their phase transition behavior for the synthesis of methanethiol (CH(3)SH)

The one-step reaction approach from syngas with hydrogen sulfide (CO/H(2)/H(2)S) over potassium (K) promoted Molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)) materials can provide alternatives for the synthesis of methanethiol (CH(3)SH). However, the direct confirmation and determination of the real active nature of K-induced 2H and 1T′-MoS(2) for this reaction and the corresponding phase transformation behavior and origin of K-induced 2H-MoS(2) from/to 1T′-MoS(2) remains unclear. Herein, we proved at the atomic level the precise position of K over 1T′-MoS(2) and 2H-MoS(2) species using the technique of HAADF-STEM. A relationship between K-induced 1T′ and 2H-MoS(2) phases and the catalytic property to synthesize CH(3)SH was established, and K-intercalated 1T′-MoS(2) phase was confirmed to have excellent catalytic performances. Moreover, the behavior, origin, and influencing factors of phase transformation of 2H-MoS(2) from/to 1T′-MoS(2) in the existence of K were well proved.