Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of NiMo/Al2O3–MCM-41 catalyst for dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization

Ni–Mo/Al2O3–MCM-41 supported catalysts have been investigated for modification of MCM-41 by using sol–gel alumina incorporation method. Different catalysts were synthesized with variation of Si/Al molar ratios of 10, 50, 100 and 200. High specific surface area ordered meso-porous solid (MCM-41) was synthesized by using organic template method. In order to modify the low acidity of silica solid, the surface of MCM-41 was modified by incorporation of alumina. The surface acidity of solids modified significantly with variation of alumina content in the supports. The sol–gel method of alumina incorporation was used, which does not modify extensively the pore characteristics of MCM-41 material during the preparation of Al2O3–MCM-41. The X-ray diffraction intensities indicated that alumina as well as MCM-41 were present in the synthesized supports. Additionally, the hydrothermal stability of the Al2O3–MCM-41 materials was maintained up to 873 K using sever conditions like 100% water vapor stream. The catalytic activity of the catalysts was tested in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT). Selectivity was oriented mainly to the production of biphenyl (BP) and for high Si/Al ratios toward cyclohexylbenzene (CHB) and showed a higher conversion and better selectivity to hydrogenation (cyclohexylbenzene).