Mixed TiO2–ZrO2 support for hydrotreating, obtained by co-precipitation from Zr basic carbonate and Ti oxosulfate

Mixed oxide TiZrO4 was prepared by the co-precipitation reaction of zirconium carbonate with titanium oxosulfate. Dried and calcined mixed oxide specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning and transmission microscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The solids after calcination had specific surface area and developed mesoporosity, suitable for the catalytic applications. Supported Mo and CoMo sulfides were prepared using TiZrO4 solids and compared with TiO2, ZrO2 and Al2O3 in the thiophene hydrodesulfurization reaction.