Approach to the Prediction of Some Surface Characteristics of Carbon-Supported CoMo- Catalysts from the Adsorption/Desorption Technique

Abstract

Carbon-supported CoMo– catalyst samples have been prepared through the impregnation (in solution) method using two different Co/Mo loads of 2/10 and 4/20 wt%. The catalytic activities of these catalysts for hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene at 2.9 MPa H 2 and 340°C have been investigated and measured in a sampler microautoclave reactor. Adsorption of dibenzothiophene from decane solution over both carbon and catalysts was studied. The consecutive desorption of adsorbates was followed by the thermal gravimetric technique. Pore volumes and surface areas of carbon and catalysts based on dibenzothiophene desorption data have been estimated. Catalysts exhibit almost the same hydrodesulfurization activity. CoMo catalyst of 4/20 wt% load is speculated to have a tendency to form clusters larger than 2/10 catalyst ratio. Models for catalyst dispersion and agglomeration are suggested.