Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of TiMgAlCu mixed oxides as novel SOx removal catalysts

The TiMgAlCu mixed oxides, based on hydrotalcite-like compounds, was developed as novel SOx removal catalysts for FCC (fluid catalytic cracking) process. The mixed oxides were prepared by modified co-precipitation method and estimated for SOx removal under conditions similar to those of FCC units. XRD, TG/DTA and N2 adsorption analysis were performed to investigate the physicochemical and textural properties of the samples. The analysis results indicated that all the samples exhibit good dispersion of metal oxides in the matrix. The SOx adsorption-reduction tests showed that the novel TiMgAlCu catalysts with 15%Ti and 1% Cu had a good performance on SOx removal. Moreover, the particle size had obvious effect on the adsorption activity of sulfur remove catalysts and the best fit particle size is from 100 to 300 μm.