Tailoring the structure of Co-Mo/mesoporous γ-Al2O3 catalysts by adding multi-hydroxyl compound: A 3000 kt/a industrial-scale diesel ultra-deep hydrodesulfurization study

Abstract

Ever-increasing concern on environmental impacts (e.g., sulfur pollution) by fossil fuels has triggered the research on hydrodesulfurization (HDS). In this work, Co-Mo nanoparticles were deposited on the mesoporous γ-Al2O3 support with the addition of organic compound, and the physico-chemical properties of the catalysts (Co-Mo-C/mesoporous γ-Al2O3) were then characterized by multi-techniques such as H2-TPR, HRTEM, XPS, N2 physisorption. It is found that the Co-Mo-C/mesoporous γ-Al2O3 catalyst is easier to be reduced when organic compound is added, enhancing the sulfuration. This results in better dispersion of Co-Mo-S species and more Co-Mo-S II active sites, which significantly enhance diesel ultra-deep hydrodesulfurization activity. Furthermore, this novel catalyst was also tested for HDS reaction in a 3000 kt/a industrial-scale plant. Gratifyingly, this catalyst showed effective reduction of sulfur content from 9000 to less than 10 μg/g and also high stability over 5000 h. The results are of great significance to the design and development of industrial HDS catalysts.