Hybrid alumina-1D titania nanotube materials as supports for NiMo catalysts with improved activity in hydrodesulfurization

Abstract

γ-Alumina materials modified with different amounts of 1D titania nanotubes were synthesized, characterized and used as supports for NiMo catalysts evaluated in the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene. Alumina and titania components in hybrid supports exist as separate domains maintaining their characteristic mesopore structure. After thermal treatment of supports, 1D titania was partially transformed to anatase nanocrystals of <15 nm in size. The presence of 20–40 wt% of 1D titania in alumina increased the activity of the catalysts due to lower metal-support interaction, larger proportion of octahedral Mo oxide species and increased dispersion of MoS2 active phase.