Tailoring NiMoS active phases with high hydrodesulfurization activity through facilely synthesized supports with tunable mesostructure and morphology

•NMS materials with different structures were synthesized via a facile method.•The morphology and dispersion of NiMoS phases are affected by support structures.•Catalysts with 3D mesostructures benefit reactant diffusion and metal dispersion.•The characteristics of active phases have important impact on intrinsic activity.•NiMo/Al-NMS-x catalysts display preferable TOF than refer catalyst NiMo/γ-Al2O3.