Hydrous metal oxide-supported catalysts: Part 2, Catalytic properties and applications

Abstract

This report describes research leading to the development of new catalytic materials based on hydrous metal oxide (HMO) ion exchangers. Present in this part, the second of two parts, are results of catalyst-related research and application of the materials to catalytic reactions for direct coal liquefaction processes. HMO materials are inorganic ion exchangers, derived from the alkoxides of Ti, Zr, Nb, or Ta, that exhibit a number of properties applicable to the preparation of catalysts. Research on the catalytic properties of HMO's has focused on the hydrous titanium oxide (HTO) system. However, exploratory coal liquefaction experiments with hydrous niobium oxides (HNO's) and hydrous zirconium oxides (HZO's) have demonstrated that these HMO's also exhibit potential as coal liquefaction catalysts. Studies performed during the course of this research include (1) preliminary coal liquefaction and hydrotreating tests, (2) tests of hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodeoxygenation and hydrodenitrogenation activity using model compounds, (3) development of catalyst pretreatment and activation procedures, (4) modification of HTO supports with silicon, (5) preparation and testing of thin film HTO catalysts, (6) synthesis, characterization and evaluation of base and noble metal catalyst deactivation tests, and (9) exploratory tests of applications other than direct liquefaction. The versatility of the HTO system formore » synthesis of catalysts allows great potential for further improvements in activity and selectivity as well as tailoring of catalysts for specific processes. Research is continuing in these areas. 54 refs., 63 figs., 25 tabs.« less