Promoting effect of boron with high loading on Ni-based catalyst for hydrogenation of thiophene-containing ethylbenzene

Ni–B/SiO2 catalysts with boron loading in the range of 21%–41% were prepared by modified sol–gel method. The as-prepared catalysts not only possess relatively large pore and surface area, but exhibit high activity for ethylbenzene hydrogenation even in the presence of thiophene up to 640 ppm. Characterizations including XRD, TEM, H2-TPR, H2-TPD, NH3-TPD, H2-chemisoportion and XPS are carried out, and the results indicate that the high catalytic performance of Ni–B/SiO2 catalysts with appropriate boron loadings can be ascribed to the suitable acidity and reduction degree, higher dispersion and the appropriate ratio of Ni0/Ni2+ on the surface.

Graphical abstractThe nickel-based catalysts with B2O3/SiO2 ratio of 10%–21%, remarkably higher than previously reported, exhibit high activity and sulfur resistance for ethyl-benzene hydrogenation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ni–B/SiO2 catalysts with considerably high boron loading were prepared based on sol–gel method. ► The textural properties of Ni–B/SiO2 catalysts doping with high content of boron are still in good status. ► The introduction of boron can modify the quantities of reducible NiO particles and acidity of Ni–B/SiO2 catalysts. ► Higher dispersion and the appropriate ratio of Ni0/Ni2+ on the surface are favorable for sulfur-resistance of Ni–B/SiO2 catalyst.