Novel MoP/HY catalyst for the selective conversion of naphthalene to tetralin

• Beta, ZSM-5 and Y supported MoP catalysts applied for hydrogenation of naphthalene.
• Nearly 100% selectivity of tetralin from naphthalene was achieved using MoP/HY.
• Weak, moderate and strong acidic sites affect naphthalene hydrogenation.
• Selectivity can be controlled by optimum contact time and temperature.

MoP catalyst supported on HZSM-5, HBeta and HY were prepared by wet impregnation and temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), applied for the conversion of naphthalene to tetralin, and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, H2-TPR, and NH3-TPD. Catalytic tests revealed the highest selectivity to tetralin was observed over MoP/HY with a naphthalene conversion of 85% and a tetralin selectivity of 99%. The effect of temperature and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) was also studied. Well dispersed and small particles of MoP, reduced pore size and weak acidity of HY contribute to enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity in conversion of naphthalene to tetralin.

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