Preparation and evaluation of sulfided NiMo/γ-Al2O3 hydrotreating catalysts

Abstract:   Four nickel-molybdenum catalysts were synthesized on gamma alumina with higher surface area and on NiMo catalyst was prepared using gamma alumina with lower surface area. Catalysts with higher-surface-area support were prepared by co-impregnation, sequential impregnation and adding phosphorous. Theses catalysts were calcined at 500  ͦC. Effect of higher calcination temperature was investigated by preparation of one catalyst calcined at 700 ͦC. Catalysts were thoroughly characterized via four characterization techniques. The hydrotreating activity of three catalysts was carried out in a micro reactor at high pressure and three different temperatures with Nynas vacuum middle distillate. Prior to the test, sulfiding was carried out to activate the catalysts. Hydrotreated-oil samples as products were analyzed to evaluate the activity and conversion of the catalyst. Also, the spent catalysts were characterized to evaluate the surface area characteristics and deactivation of catalysts. Addition of phosphorous to NiMo/gamma-Al2O3 improved the interaction between the metals and the support as well as reduced the coke formation as observed in scanning electron microscopy micrographs.