摘要:SummaryThe one-step reaction approach from syngas with hydrogen sulfide (CO/H2/H2S) over potassium (K) promoted Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) materials can provide alternatives for the synthesis of methanethiol (CH3SH). However, the direct confirmation and determination of the real active nature of K-induced 2H and 1T′-MoS2for this reaction and the corresponding phase transformation behavior and origin of K-induced 2H-MoS2from/to 1T′-MoS2remains unclear. Herein, we proved at the atomic level the precise position of K over 1T′-MoS2and 2H-MoS2species using the technique of HAADF-STEM. A relationship between K-induced 1T′ and 2H-MoS2phases and the catalytic property to synthesize CH3SH was established, and K-intercalated 1T′-MoS2phase was confirmed to have excellent catalytic performances. Moreover, the behavior, origin, and influencing factors of phase transformation of 2H-MoS2from/to 1T′-MoS2in the existence of K were well proved.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Converting sulfur-containing pollutants with syngas (CO/H2/H2S) is promising•Thermally induced K-position-dependent phase transformation of MoS2was reported•The precise position of K over MoS2was proved at the atomic level•Relationship between MoS2phases and property for synthesizing CH3SH was establishedCatalysis; Chemical reaction; Chemistry; Inorganic chemistry