Continuous Hydrogenation of Toluene over Sr- and PEG800-Modified Ni/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts

A series of gamma-Al2O3-supported nickel-based catalysts were evaluated in continuous hydrogenation of toluene. Sr- and poly(ethylene glycol) 800 (PEG800)-modified Ni/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts provided the best activity with high conversion of toluene and selectivity for methylcyclohexane which was ascribed to the addition of Sr and PEG800 during the preparation process, resulting in smaller and highly dispersed Ni species on the surface and in the pores of gamma-Al2O3. Furthermore, the formation of SrCO3 and NiAl2O4 is believed to be advantageous for the dispersion and stabilization of the active Ni species, accounting for its good stability.