Mo-decorated Ti3C2Tx MXene interface for a robust and efficient catalytic oxidation-adsorption deep desulfurization

A novel Mo/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid catalyst–adsorbent was developed for efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) under relatively mild conditions, achieving high activity with minimal use of the costly MXene component. This work introduces a synergistic Mo–MXene interface in which multilayered Ti3C2Tx MXene serves as a conductive and structurally stable support, while intercalated Mo species expand the interlayer spacing, generate pronounced mesoporosity, and provide abundant, uniformly dispersed active centers. The MXene sheets were synthesized via selective Al etching of the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase, followed by in situ Mo surface decoration to enhance accessibility of active sites and effectively suppress the intrinsic restacking tendency of MXene layers. This engineered architecture improves stability, enhances mass transport of bulky DBT molecules, and accelerates adsorption–desorption dynamics, thereby boosting catalytic performance. Among the prepared catalysts, Mo/Ti3C2Tx with 30 % Mo loading achieved complete DBT removal at 80 °C. GC–MS and FTIR analyses confirmed that the expanded interlayers, mesoporous cavities, and surface functional groups facilitated efficient oxidation of DBT to DBTO2 and effective adsorption of the products. The catalyst also exhibited excellent recyclability across multiple ODS cycles, retaining both structural integrity and high activity. Overall, this study presents the first demonstration of Mo-promoted MXene interfaces as robust, solvent-free catalysts for rapid, low-temperature desulfurization, offering a promising platform for advanced fuel purification and environmental remediation applications.