Catalyst component interactions in nickel/alumina catalysts

Abstract

The influence of nickel loading (5; 10; 20 wt% Ni), temperature of heat treatment (400; 700; 1100°C) and way of catalyst preparation on the catalyst component interactions (CCI) in the impregnated, mechanical powder mixed and co-precipitated catalyst was investigated. For sample characterization, low temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied Significant differences were revealed, concerning CCI in dependence of nickel loading, temperature of heat treatment and way of catalyst preparation. The obtained results show that the support metal oxide interactions (SMI) in impregnated and co-precipitated catalysts are more intensive than in the mechanical powder mixed catalyst. The degree and intensity of CCI is expressed by the ratio of real and theoretical surface area of the catalyst. This ratio can be used for a quantitative estimation of CCI and it is generally applicable to all types of heterogeneous catalysts.