Catalytic performance and kinetics study of various carbonaceous supported nickel nanoparticles for atmospheric pressure competitive hydrogenation of benzene

Benzene hydrogenation in the BTX mixture over various carbonaceous catalysts was evaluated in the range of 130-190 degrees C and at the variable partial pressure of the hydrogen (2.3-5.2 Pa) and benzene content (2-8 vol%). Under these conditions, the best activity was obtained for Ni-graphene at 190 degrees C with over 94% conversion. The highest selectivity to cyclohexane (> 60%) is related to Ni-activated carbon at 170 degrees C. To determine the kinetics parameters, Power-Law and Langmuir-Hinshelwood models have been tested. These models, provided a good fit toward the experimental data and allowed to determine the kinetics parameters that are in good agreement with both models.