Facile route to prepare bimodal mesoporous γ-Al2O3 as support for highly active CoMo-based hydrodesulfurization catalyst

In the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), bimodal mesoporous nanorod γ-Al2O3 was successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method. The pore structure, crystal parameters and morphology of the alumina can be controlled by PEG. The more PEG can facilely induce the formation of bimodal mesoporous skeletal nanorod structure and lead to the relatively higher crystallinity to the alumina. This novel structure alumina result in the catalysts for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) possessing lower metal–support interaction and higher crystal phase dispersion. The nanorod structure of alumina contributes shorter crystallite length and higher staking degree to the catalysts. Of note is that there is apparently pore confinement effect on the HDS process. The catalysts with bimodal mesoporous structure indicate the higher HDS activity than that of catalyst with mono-modal structure.

Graphical abstractIn the presence of polyethylene glycol(PEG), bimodal mesoporous nanorod γ-Al2O3 was successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method. The introduction of the novel structure alumina to the hydrodesulfurization catalyst can significantly change it's physically properties and improve the performance in reaction. There is apparently pore confinement effect and nanosized effect in the hydrodesulfurization catalyst.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Bimodal mesoporous nanorod γ-Al2O3 was successfully synthesized. ► The formation of novel structure of alumina was investigated. ► The effects of the novel structure of alumina on the HDS catalyst were discussed. ► The reasons of optimum catalytic performance were also exhibited.