Unexpected sintering of small supported Ni2P under real feed conditions

2 nm well dispersed supported nickel phosphides have been made using hypophosphorous acid in the presence of organic components. In addition, a surface oxide layer was created to prevent sintering at elevated temperature. Unexpectedly, under real feed hydroprocessing conditions, the catalyst underperformed with or without the oxide layer and post run analysis revealed severe sintering to form 20–30 nm particles. To truly examine the HDT activity of small supported Ni2P, its stability under real feed conditions needs to be improved.