A feasible approach to the synthesis of nickel phosphide for hydrodesulfurization

In this paper, we propose a simple and feasible method for synthesizing bulk and supported nickel phosphides from oxide precursors. The new approach uses a low hydrogen flow speed and is not affected by the heating rate. The results indicate that Ni2P can be synthesized at 600 °C from its oxide precursors with a mole ratio of Ni/P = 2/1. The hydrodesulfurization activity results indicate that the direct-reduction method shows excellent performance in the synthesis of supported catalysts.

Graphical abstractBulk and supported nickel phosphides could be synthesized simply by the direct-reduction method from the phosphate precursor. The new approach requires a low H2 flow speed and is not affected by heating rate.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (66 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Bulk and supported nickel phosphides were prepared by the direct-reduction method. ► The new approach requires low H2 flow speed and is not affected by heating rate. ► The new approach shows excellent performance in the synthesis of catalysts.