A new alumina-supported, not pyrophoric Raney-type Ni-catalyst

Starting with a 50-50 wt.% Al-Ni alloy powder a new process was developed b y which an active alumina supported, not pyrophoric Raney-type Ni catalyst is produced. It consists of very finely dispersed nickel of 25-30 wt.% (spe cific weight of about 1.2). The Ni is not ferromagnetic. The catalyst is ap plied in all liquid Phase hydrogenations where standard Raney-Ni is used, w ith the same or higher specific activity. The structure of the catalyst is described using XRD, SAXS, TEM SEM/EDX, an d N-2-sorption. The catalytic activity measurements were performed in liqui d phase hydrogenations at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.