Cellulose and hemicellulose from biomass can be broken down to C6 and C5 sugars and further converted to corresponding sugar alcohols. It is now found that a new catalyst, MoS2, is active for the hydrogenation of sugar alcohols to hydrocarbons. Combining the technologies listed above allows us to convert the cellulose/hemicellulose to liquid hydrocarbons.
1. A methanation catalyst comprising:
a) molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ),
b) zirconium (Zr), and
c) elemental sulfur (S),
wherein the methanation catalyst is co-precipitated in the presence of Zr at a pH of greater than 3.0.
2. The methanation catalyst of claim 1 , wherein said methanation catalyst is co-precipitated in the presence of Zr at a pH of about 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0 or greater.
3. The methanation catalyst of claim 1 , wherein said catalyst comprises a promoter is selected from the group consisting of NiNO3, MgNO3, K2CO3, PdNO3, Silica, Alumina, or combinations thereof.
4. The methanation catalyst of claim 1 , wherein said catalyst is presulfided at between about 450° C. and about 500° C., with N2, H2, DMDS, and combinations thereof; including but not limited to approximately 500° C. with N2, H2 and DMDS; approximately 500° C. with H2 and DMDS; approximately 500° C. with N 2 , H 2 and H 2 S; or approximately 500° C. with H 2 and H 2 S.
5. The methanation catalyst of claim 1 , wherein said catalyst contains a ratio of Zr/Mo between about 0.6 and about 0.8.
6. The methanation catalyst of claim 1 , wherein said catalyst is synthesized with elemental sulfur.