Effect of initial pH value on coke formation of nickel-alumina catalysts in catalytic cracking of n-hexane

Abstract

Alumina-supported nickel catalysts have been prepared by controlling the initial pH level of Ni(NO 3 ) 2 solution prior to impregnation. The various pH levels used were pH 3, 5, 6, and 8.3. Studies were carried out by performing catalytic cracking of n-hexane in a fixed bed reactor at 733 K and atmospheric pressure. The characterization of prepared catalysts and the carbon content of used ones were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption temperature-programmed hydrogenation of the carbon deposit, and chemical analysis for carbon