Effect of preparation variables on the activity of Ni-W/Al2O3 hydrotreating catalysts

Abstract

Studies have been carried out on the influence of preparation parameters on the activity of nickel-tungsten (Ni-W) catalysts, used to promote the hydrotreatment of model compounds representative of nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen and aromatic containing compounds which typically occur in coal derived liquids. The preparation variables considered for optimisation were the pH of the impregnating solution, the impregnation order, the starting Ni salts, the Ni/Ni + W ratio, the drying conditions and the calcination temperature. It was found that changes in pH, within the range where binding of the starting ions to alumina takes place, is not a significant variable influencing the activity. The use of nickel nitrate as a precursor yields better catalysts. If W is impregnated first it is redistributed during subsequent nickel impregnation, and better catalysts are obtained when Ni is impregnated first. The optimum Ni/Ni + W ratio is between 0.3 and 0.4, based on the total active metals present on the catalyst. The hydrodesulphurisation hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenation activities decrease with increase in the drying temperature; the reverse is true for hydrodenitrogenation. An optimum activity is obtained when drying at 100°C in a closed oven. The optimum calcination temperature was found to be 500°C.