Characterization and Evaluation of γ-Al2O3 Supported Hydroprocessing Catalysts Prepared through the Precipitation from Homogeneous Solution (PFHS) Method

Abstract

Unpromoted and cobalt- or nickel-promoted γ-Al2O3 supported molybdenum sulfide catalysts were prepared by the precipitation from homogeneous solution (PFHS) method in a single step. These catalysts were characterised by surface area measurements, X-ray diffraction, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Studies were made on the effect of Mo loading on oxygen chemisorption, variation of O/Mo, equivalent metal sulfide area (EMSA) and surface coverage, variation of hydrodesulfurisation (HDS) and hydrogenation (HYD) activity, and correlation of oxygen uptake with HDS and HYD rates. These catalysts do not need presulfidation prior to HDS reaction and have higher activity, better characteristics than the catalysts preparec by conventional methods.