Structure and activity of NiMo/alumina hydrodesulfurization model catalyst with ordered opal-like pores

Ordered porous opal-like NiMo/alumina hydrodesulfurization model catalyst was prepared by loading NiMo oxides on alumina-coated silica opal, and the state of active metal oxides was investigated. The results showed that the pore size of the model catalyst is uniformly distributed. The catalyst pore structure is independent of NiMo loadings below five-fold the monolayer capacity. Due to the regular smooth surface of the catalyst, metal oxides on it can be easily observed with high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the activity of model catalysts was tested and correlated with the metal oxides species.

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► An opal-like NiMo/alumina hydrodesulfurization model catalyst was prepared.
► Pore structure of the model catalyst is insensitive to NiMo loadings.
► Catalytic activity can be clearly correlated with the dispersion of Mo species.