Hydrocracking of n-decane over zeolite-supported metal sulfide catalysts. 1. CaY-supported transition metal sulfides

The hydrocracking properties of various Cay-supported metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, W, Re, Ir, and Pt) sulfide catalysts (prepared by impregnation) are examined by studying the hydroconversion of n-decane. All catalysts show cracking conversions which are significantly higher than that of the Cay support. There are large differences in catalytic behavior dependent on the metal sulfide present on the zeolite support. The amounts of S present on the catalyst are analyzed to determine the degree of sulfidation of the metal sulfide, while high resolution electron microscopy is used to characterize the distribution of the metal sulfide phase over the zeolite support. The observed differences in activity can be explained by the differences in intrinsic activity of the metal sulfide phase and the differences in distribution of this phase over the zeolite particle (internal or external sulfide deposition).