Effect of nickel precursors on the performance of Ni/AlMCM-41 catalysts for n-dodecane hydroconversion

The effect of different nickel precursors on the performance of Ni/AIMCM-41 catalysts for n-dodecane hydroconversion was studied. The catalyst prepared with nickel citrate as the precursor possessed stronger metal-support interaction, higher metal dispersion and slightly lower acidity than those prepared with nickel nitrate and alkaline tetraamine nickel nitrate. In the test of n-dodecane hydroconversion, this catalyst exhibited better activity and isomerization selectivity due to the intimate interaction between metal and acid functions and the improved (de)hydrogenation capability of the metallic nickel active sites.