Synthesis of highly active and porous NiCoP catalysts via directly thermal treatment of a mechanical mixing of nickel, cobalt salts and sodium hypophosphite

A new method for the preparation of bimetal phosphides was reported. Bulk and SiO2-supported porous NiCoP were obtained from the direct thermal treatment of precursors containing nickel, cobalt salts, and sodium hypophosphite mixed mechanically under flowing nitrogen. Compared with traditional H2-temperature-programmed reduction method, the method developed provided a simple one-step way to produce bimetal phosphides with a relatively low temperature. In the report, a possible preparation mechanism was discussed to form NiCoP. The route and mechanism could also be applied to the preparation of other bimetal phosphides. In comparison with the Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst, the NiCoP/SiO2 showed a higher hydrodesulfurization activity for dibenzothiophene.

Graphical abstractA simple and efficient approach to the preparation of NiCoP nanoparticles was presented. Bulk and supported NiCoP were successfully synthesized by heating a mixture of certain stoichiometric nickel chloride, cobalt chloride, and sodium hypophosphite in flowing N2.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new synthetic route by heating a mixture of certain stoichiometric NaH2PO2, NiCl2·6H2O and CoCl2·6H2O to prepare NiCoP catalysts. ► It is very easy to synthesize supported NiCoP using the supported metal salt precursors by the method. ► The NiCoP/SiO2 catalyst synthesized by the route shows a good HDS of dibenzothiophene. ► This method is also general for synthesizing other transition bimetal phosphides.