Precursor-support interactions in the preparation of sepiolite-supported Ni and Pd catalysts

Abstract

Naturally occurring sepiolite has been used as a support in the preparation of Ni and Pd catalysts. A precipitation procedure has been applied for both metals to deposit the precursor on to the support surface. The interaction between the sepiolite and the metal precursor has been studied by use of IR and solid-state MAS-NMR. Results show that SiOH groups are consumed in forming the Ni precursor whereas no specific interactions occur in the case of the Pd. However, strong interactions between metal precursor and the tetrahedral sheet occur for both metals leading to precursors which show a high stability under reducing conditions.