The catalytic and physico-chemical properties of Ni/MgF2–MgO catalysts

The MgF2–MgO system of different quantitative compositions was tested as a potential support for nickel catalysts to be used for hydrogenation of toluene. The catalytic performance of the system was studied as a function of the MgF2/MgO ratio in the support and the reaction conditions. The hydrogenation was performed at temperatures ranging from 75 to 225 °C on the catalysts activated in hydrogen at different temperatures (400–550 °C). The activities of Ni/MgF2–MgO catalysts were compared to those of Ni/MgF2, Ni/MgO and Ni/Al2O3. The highest activities were observed in the case of the catalysts supported on MgF2–MgO (containing 40 mol.% MgO), especially after the activation at 500 °C. The catalytic activity of nickel supported on magnesium oxo-fluoride tested in toluene hydrogenation was much higher than that of Ni supported on the commonly used supports such as Al2O3 or MgO.

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► New non-conventional catalysts for toluene hydrogenation.
► MgF2–MgO, MgF2 and MgO as catalyst support and Ni as an active phase.
► Hydrogenation activity of Ni/MgF2–MgO was higher than that of Ni/Al2O3 or Ni/MgO.