Bimetallic Pt-Pd/silica-alumina hydrotreating catalysts. Part II: Structure-activity correlations in the hydrogenation of tetralin in the presence of dibenzothiophene and quinoline

► Hydrogenation of tetralin on Pt-Pd catalysts supported on amorphous silica-alumina. ► The effects of dibenzothiophene and quinoline on the reaction are studied. ► The proportion of exposed Pt determines the performance of the catalysts. ► Acidity of the support and metal particle size are secondary influencing factors. ► The results point to two adsorption sites: metal and Brønsted sites at the perimeter.