A new route for synthesizing nickel phosphide catalysts with high hydrodesulfurization activity based on sodium dihydrogenphosphite

Bulk and supported Ni2P catalysts were prepared through a novel method using a solid mechanical mixture of Na(H2PO3)2 and NiCl2·6H2O in definite molar ratio as a precursor. The precursor was heated at 200–300 °C for 1 h in flowing N2 to form Ni2P catalysts. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study the formation of the phase. The mechanistic progress of Ni2P was studied using thermo gravimetry and the results indicate that NiCl2 is reduced by PH3 produced from decomposition of NaH2PO3 at 250 °C. The dibenzothiophene (DBT) hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of the Ni2P/SiO2 catalysts was measured, and good activities were observed at different temperatures.

Graphical abstractA simple and efficient approach to the preparation of Ni2P nanoparticles was presented. Bulk and supported Ni2P were successfully synthesized by heating a mixture of certain stoichiometric NaH2PO3 and NiCl2·6H2O in flowing hydrogen.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► A new synthetic route by heating NaH2PO3 and NiCl2•6H2O to prepare Ni2P catalysts. ► It is very easy to synthesize supported Ni2P by the method. ► The Ni2P/SiO2 synthesized by the route shows a good HDS of dibenzothiophene. ► This method is also general for synthesizing other transition metal phosphides.