The effect of Ca on structure and performance of hydrodesulfurization of Ca-Ni2P/SBA-15/Cord monolithic catalysts

•Ca-Ni2P/SBA-15/Cord monolithic catalysts were prepared.•Structures were discussed by varying the ratios of P/Ni, the contents of Ni2P and Ca.•The conversion of DBT was nearly 100% over 2.1%Ca-40%Ni2P/SBA-15/Cord catalyst.•The catalytic activity and the selectivity of BP could be improved by addition of Ca.

In this paper, Ca-Ni2P/SBA-15/Cord monolithic catalysts, with various contents of Ca, the different loading of Ni2P and molar ratio of P/Ni, and cordierite honeycomb ceramic (Cord) as the support, were prepared. The effect of Ca on the structure of Ca-Ni2P/SBA-15/Cord monolithic catalysts and catalytic performance for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of the dibenzothiophene (DBT) were investigated. X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption–desorption was used to characterize the structure of monoliythic catalysts. The results showed with the increase of Ni2P, the surface area of monolithic catalysts decreased from 179.5 to 174.8 m2/g, and the diameter distribution of monolithic catalysts decreased 6.12 to 5.51 nm. Pure Ni2P was formed when P/Ni = 0.8 among the molar ratio of P/Ni from 0.5 to 1.5. Other ratios showed the mixture of Ni2P and Ni12P5. The DBT conversion over Ca-Ni2P/SBA-15/Cord monolithic catalysts could reach more than 99% at 380 °C, and the main product was CHB by the mechanism of hydrogenation route. Suitable contents of Ca could improve the surface area of the sample and enhance the conversion of DBT. But the extra contents of Ca could also adsorb H2S and restrain the conversion of DBT.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (314 K)Download as PowerPoint slide