SYNTHESIS OF NiCo/HIERARCHICAL ZEOLITE CATALYST FOR CATALYTIC CRACKING OF JATROPHA OIL

Abstract

Research on a bimetallic NiCo catalyst synthesis was carried out using hierarchical zeolite support (NiCo/HZ). This study aims to determine the effect of the NiCo on characterization and catalyst activity in the catalytic cracking of jatropha oil. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, XRF, SAA, and NH3-TPD. Its catalytic activity was measured at 375 °C, with a catalyst concentration of 5% w/v for 2 hours. The liquid product was analyzed using GCMS. XRD spectrum of NiCo/HZ showed that the crystalline phase of Ni and Co has one peak at 2θ = 44.2° and 2θ = 44.6°, respectively. Generally, the impregnation of NiCo metals improves the catalyst characteristics, mainly the pore diameter and acidity. NiCo/HZ catalyst with a metal ratio of Ni and Co of 8:2 exhibits the best catalytic activity. It obtains a hydrocarbons yield of 77.45%, with a gasoline selectivity of 82.72%, kerosene of 4.09%, and diesel of 13.18%.