A comparison of the catalytic performance of Ni, Mo and Ni-Mo impregnated on acid halloysite nanotubes in the n-decane hydroconversion

Three catalysts of Ni, Mo and Ni-Mo, impregnated over acid halloysite (Ha-A), were synthesized and evaluated in the n-decane hydroconversion reaction. A natural halloysite (Ha) with nanotubular structure was previously treated with an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, and then used as support for the preparation of the catalysts by wet impregnation. From the results obtained by catalytic hydroconversion (isomerization and cracking), it can be established that the solid synthesized with mixed metal content (Ni + Mo) is better than both catalysts with single metal content (Ni or Mo). A good correlation between the catalytic performance and the relationship structure/properties of the materials was observed by characterization techniques. The nanotubular structure of the catalysts was demonstrated by TEM images. An important decrease of the MoO3 reduction temperature (assessed by H2-TPR, temperature-programmed reduction) was found as result of nickel addition, suggesting the formation of NiMoO4 species. Thi...