Promotion of Ni/SBA-15 catalyst for hydrogenation of naphthalene by pretreatment with ammonia/water vapour

The activities of nickel supported on SBA-15 catalysts, which were prepared by pretreatment with ammonia/water vapour, were investigated by hydrogenation of naphthalene. Comparing with the un-pretreated catalysts, the pretreated catalysts exhibited significant activity, and naphthalene conversion was improved approximately 100% over the un-pretreated catalysts. The formation of NH4NO3 during pretreatment, which helped to reduce NO2/O2 generation thus enhancing the dispersion of NiO, was considered to be the main reason for the increased Ni0 dispersion and the enhanced activity of the catalyst pretreated with ammonia/water vapour.

Graphical AbstractNi/SBA-15 catalysts prepared by pretreatment with ammonia/water vapour have much higher naphthalene conversions than those of the catalysts without pretreatment (Figure below), indicating that the catalytic activity of Ni/SBA-15 catalyst can be strongly enhanced by ammonia/water vapour pretreatment.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights►The hydrogenation activity of nickel supported on SBA-15 catalysts, which are prepared by pretreatment with ammonia/water vapour, is improved approximated 100%. ►The formation of NH4NO3 during pretreatment, which helped to reduce NO2/O2 generation thus enhancing the dispersion of NiO, was considered to be the main reason for the increased Ni0 dispersion and the enhanced activity of the catalyst pretreated with ammonia/water vapour. ►Pretreatment with ammonia/water vapour is a novel and interesting method to prepare other supported catalysts.