LAUSR

Abstract In the present work, a series of NiMo catalysts supported on hybrid materials consisting of mesoporous TiSBA-15 and conventional γ-alumina were prepared. Three hybrid supports were synthesized with 20, 40 and 60 wt.% of TiSBA-15 and compared to pure γ-Al 2 O 3 and TiSBA-15 counterparts. NiMo catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness co-impregnation of aqueous solutions of ammonium heptamolybdate and nickel nitrate precursors. Supports and catalysts were characterized by N 2 physisorption, XRD, UV–vis DRS, temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and ammonia TPD. The sulfided NiMo catalysts were characterized by HRTEM and evaluated in the simultaneous hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT). All NiMo catalysts supported on hybrid materials showed better dispersion of the catalytically active MoS 2 phase than the reference catalyst supported on the conventional γ-alumina material. Their activity was similar to that of the NiMo/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst in HDS of DBT, but substantially higher in HDS of 4,6-DMDBT.