Lowering the carburization temperature of Ti-oxide into TiC down to 1173 K could be achieved by the addition of Co. Co-promoted TiC/Si-2 catalysts were prepared by the temperature programmed reaction (TPR) method. Co-Ti/SiO2 precursors were prepared by use of the successive impregnation method (sc) and the co-impregnation method (co). Samples were characterized by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. The carburization degree of TiC was affected by the method of Co addition. The carburization degree of sc Co-TiC/SiO2 was better than that of co Co-TiC/SiO2. The activity of thiophene hydrodesulfurization reaction at 693 K on sc Co-TiC/ SiO2 was higher than that on co Co-TiC/SiO2. The HDS activity was related to the carburization degree of TiC. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.