DIRECT SYNTHESIS OF MIXED METAL SULFIDE CATALYSTS AND THEIR HYDRODENITROGENATION ACTIVITY

Mixed metal, Ni/Mo and Co/Mo, sulfide catalysts of the type M-M'-S were prepared from discrete heterometallic molecular precursors; Ni(MoS4)2 and [Et4N]2{M(mu-SR)4[Mo(CO)4]2}, where M = Ni or Co. The heterobimetallics were supported on aluminum hydroxide or alumina and their hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) activities were assessed employing quinoline HDN as the model reaction. A commercial catalyst and a conventionally prepared catalyst were used to determine the baseline activity. In comparison to the baseline catalysts, the {M(mu-SR)4[Mo(CO)4]2(2-)} precursors demonstrated similar or higher specific activity as unoptimized catalysts. The IR solution spectra indicate impregnation of the support material with the complex and the solid state IR of nitric oxide adsorption indicated that these catalysts adsorb nitric oxide in a similar fashion compared to commercial catalysts.