EVALUATION OF HYDROUS TITANIUM OXIDE-SUPPORTED NIMO CATALYSTS FOR PYRENE HYDROGENATION AND UPGRADING COAL-DERIVED LIQUIDS

This study focuses on the synthesis of NiMo-based catalysts in both bu lk and coated forms, using ion-exchangeable silica-doped hydrous titan ium oxide (HTO:Si) supports. These catalysts were evaluated and compar ed against commercial NiMo-based catalysts (Amocat 1C and Shell 324) w ith respect to the hydrogenation of pyrene and the hydrodesulfurizatio n/hydrodenitrogenation of coal-derived liquids. For pyrene hydrogenati on, both bulk and supported (coated) NiMo/HTO:Si catalysts performed b etter than commercial benchmark catalysts on either a catalyst weight or an active metals basis. For both hydrodesulfurization and hydrodeni trogenation of coal-derived liquids in a trickle-bed reactor, the supp orted and bulk forms of the NiMo/HTO:Si catalysts nearly equalled the overall performance of the commercial catalysts at 3.45, 6.89 and 10.3 MPa and were superior on a total active metals basis. Extensive catal yst characterization was performed to explain the enhanced activity of the NiMo/HTO:Si materials. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.