High-throughput synthesis
combined with a surface organometallic
(coordination) chemistry approach is used to prepare in a systematic
way a series of 40 metal-promoted (Me)–MoS2 active
phases supported on amorphous silica alumina with various Me/Mo ratios
(0–0.5). The intrinsic catalytic activity in a model reaction,
namely, toluene hydrogenation, evaluated also by a high-throughput
method shows a well-marked Me/Mo optimal ratio corresponding to an
improved catalytic activity with respect to the MoS2 reference
for Me = Fe, Co, and Ni. In contrast, no impact is observed for Zn,
while a negative impact on the activity is observed for Ti and Cu.
To rationalize these results, the thermodynamic stabilities, local
structures, and magnetic properties of the Me atoms at the edges of
the MoS2 nanocrystallite are examined by the density functional
theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated edge energy descriptor unambiguously
categorizes the different types of MeMoS mixed phases. Optimal intermediate
edge energies are found for CoMoS, NiMoS, and to a lesser extent for
FeMoS, whereas too high or too low edge energies are found for Me
= Ti, V, Cu, and Zn, which is consistent with the observed catalytic
trends with the varying Me/Mo ratio. The location of Fe in close vicinity
of the MoS2 phase is highlighted by scanning transmission
electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis
which is in agreement with the DFT prediction of the stability of
Fe at MoS2 edges. Finally, we propose to extend the edge
energy descriptor to WS2-based catalysts and to other sulforeductive
conditions.