Supported rhenium sulfide catalysts in thiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization: Effect of acidity of the support over activities

Three different zeolites, γ-alumina and silica supports were used to prepare ReS2 catalysts by incipient wetness impregnation of ammonium perrhenate (NH4ReO4). The catalysts were characterized and tested in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of thiophene in an atmospheric fixed bed reactor, and of the 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) HDS in a high pressure stirred tank reactor. The results showed that the acidity of the zeolites has a detrimental influence over hydrodesulfurization activity of the Re sulfide, contrarily to the enhancement observed previously with zeolite-supported Mo sulfide catalysts. The catalyst prepared over a non-acidic zeolite (HSZ-390) was found very efficient in thiophene HDS and comparable to silica for 4,6-DMDBT.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (77 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Use of zeolites to prepare ReS2 supported catalysts. ▶ Support effect for ReS2 catalysts has been evaluated in thiophene and 4,6-DMDBT HDS. ▶ Zeolites acidity induced isomerization during 4,6-DMDBT HDS. ▶ Silica-supported catalyst was found very performant in HDS reaction.