Solution synthesis of unsupported Ni–W–S hydrotreating catalysts

Solution synthesis of unsupported Ni–W–S hydrotreating catalysts was studied, in which WO2S22- core reacted with Ni2+ ions, eventually in the presence of organic surfactant. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, transmission electron microscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Catalytic activity of Ni–W–S systems was evaluated in thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction. It has been shown that highly active unsupported sulfides can be obtained by this method. The influence of preparation conditions on the activity and physico-chemical properties of the solids was discussed.