Molybdenum carbide nanocatalyst for activation of water and hydrogen towards upgrading of low-quality hydrocarbons

•Molybdenum carbide is a new catalyst for in-situ upgrading technology (ISUT)•Molybdenum carbide can activate water for hydroprocessing reactions.•Water activation and hydrogenation occurs simultaneously on molybdenum carbide.•Water can partially replace hydrogen towards product quality enhancement.