Spatially resolved Raman and UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy on the preparation of supported catalyst bodies:: Controlling the formation of H2PMo11CoO405- inside Al2O3 pellets during impregnation

The physicochemical processes that occur during the preparation of CoMo-Al2O3, hydrodesulfurization catalyst bodies have been investigated. To this end, the distribution of Mo and Co complexes, after impregnation of gamma-Al2O3 pellets with different CoMoP solutions (i.e., solutions containing Co, Mo, and phosphate), was monitored by Raman and UV-visible-NIR microspectroscopy. From the speciation of the different complexes over the catalyst bodies, insight was obtained into the interaction of the different components in the impregnation solution with the Al2O3 surface. It is shown that. after impregnation with a solution containing H2PMo11CoO405- the reaction of phosphate with the Al2O3 leads to the disintegration of this complex, The consecutive independent transport of Co2+ complexes (fast) and Mo6+ complexes (slow) through the pores of the Al2O3 is envisaged, By the addition of extra phosphate and citrate to the impregnation solution. the formation of the desired heteropolvanion can be achieved inside the pellets. Ultimately, the H2PMo11CoO405- distribution could he controlled by varying the aging time applied after impregnation. the power of it combination of spatially resolved spectroscopic techniques to monitor the preparation of supported catalyst bodies is illustrated.