Comparison of differently synthesized Ni(Al)MCM-48 catalysts in the ethene to propene reaction

MCM-48 has been prepared by four synthesis routes varying in hydrothermal treatment, pH, surfactant and silica source. These materials have been functionalized with nickel and aluminum via incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) and template ion exchange (TIE). The support and the final catalysts were characterized using nitrogen physisorption, powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD) and ICP-OES. Textural analysis showed that the definite structure of the support was retained with IWI and was partly affected by TIE. Upon IWI small nickel oxide particles on the surface were formed, whereas with TIE no nickel-related crystalline phases could be detected. The optimal nickel and aluminum loadings were found for IWI- and TIE-MCM-48 concerning the catalytic activity in the ethene to propene reaction (ETP). With ethene conversion of over 40% propene selectivity of up to 56% could be reached with IWI and TIE catalysts. The preparation method of the MCM-48 had more influence on the activity of the TIE catalysts than of the IWI ones. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.