Hydroconversion of n-Decane over Ni–Mo Supported on Modified Halloysite Catalysts

Abstract

The performance of a series of bifunctional catalysts consisting of Ni–Mo species impregnated on natural halloysite nanotubes or treated with mineral acids was evaluated in the n-decane hydroconversion reaction (isomerization and cracking). To establish the main physicochemical characteristics of the solids and to find their correlation with the synthesis parameters and the catalytic performance, a set of techniques was used, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM, respectively), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD), and in situ infrared spectroscopy, in diffuse reflectance mode, using NH3 as a probe molecule (NH3-DRIFTS). The results allow concluding that the acid treatment on the 1:1 clay mineral (halloysite) considerably improved its surface area and acidity, without significantly compromising the nanotubular structure and ma...