Effect of plating conditions for electroless Ni deposition on catalytic properties of K2MoO4/Ni-SiO2 catalyst

A series of K2MoO4/Ni-SiO2 catalysts with Ni-SiO2 as support for methanethiol synthesis from H2S-rich synthesis gas were prepared and characterized by BET, ESR, XPS and HRTEM techniques. The optimum electroless plating condition was explored for the preparation of Ni-SiO2 support. Physicochemical characterization results show that the Ni-SiO2 support prepared under the alkaline condition and relatively high plating temperature makes molybdenum species dispersing more uniformly, leading to an appropriate K/Mo atomic ratio on its surface owing to the advantage of surface morphology. The sulfurized catalyst was found to have a suitable pore diameter distribution and a suitable molar ratio of S22−/S2− (close to 1) on the surface of the catalyst, which were confirmed to be in favor of the improvement of the catalytic performance of the catalyst.

► The optimum plating condition was explored for the preparation of Ni-SiO2 support.
► The pH value of plating bath and the plating temperature were two important factors.
► Ni-SiO2 support could improve the surface morphology of the catalyst.
► The interaction between Mo species and the Ni-SiO2 precursor was strengthened.
► Catalyst-C could show superior catalytic performance.