(140g) Effect of surface acidity on hydrodesulfurization of Shale Oil Using Ni/Mo-nano-Catalyst

Shale oil with a high percentage of sulfur poses significant challenges for refinery processes and environmental compliances. A Hydrodesulfurization catalytic process is used to reduce the level of sulfur within the oil cuts using Ni/Mo-nano-catalyst. Different catalyst supports were investigated based on the variation of Al/Si ratios, hence studying the effect of the surface charge on the rate and conversion of this process. Sol-gel method was employed to prepare the nano supports with different loadings of nickel and molybdenum.

Characterization techniques involving BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, SEM, and FTIR were utilized to quantify the surface characteristics. It was found that increasing Si/Al has resulted in increasing the surface area of the catalyst with larger pore volumes. On the other hand, slit and plate-like pores were noticed with decreasing this ratio, hence providing an open structure for the surface. Also, it was noticed that increasing this ratio provided a more crystalline structure for the samples. A high content of alumina has resulted in agglomerated and amorphous particles.

All catalysts were preliminarily tested for their conversion and rate of reaction. It is found the effect of support has a significant factor on the resistances of adsorption of the reactants, surface reaction, and desorption of produced H2S on the rate of hydrodesulfurization reaction. Pure alumina support hinders the desorption of produced H2S, hence reducing the rate of reaction. The newly developed support of 25%Si/75%Al demonstrated a higher rate and conversion of sulfur in all shale oil cuts.

Keyword: shale oil; hydrodesulfurization; catalyst; Mo/Ni catalyst, Si/Al support