A small eggshell Ni/SFC3R catalyst for C5 petroleum resin hydrogenation: preparation and characterization

A small eggshell Ni-based catalyst, supported in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (SFC3R) with distinct outer shell regions, was synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation using n-heptane and nickel nitrate solution and was applied to C5 petroleum resin hydrogenation. For comparison, a uniform Ni/SFC3R catalyst was prepared by conventional impregnation. The eggshell Ni/SFC3R catalyst exhibited higher activity and better stability than the uniform Ni/SFC3R catalyst for C5 petroleum resin hydrogenation because of its nickel component distribution in the outer region of the particles, small NiO particles, and interaction of NiO-SFC3R. The morphology and microstructure of the micron-sized Ni/SFC3R particles were determined through a FIB (focused ion beam)-cutting technique combined with SEM-EDX. The results showed that the eggshell thickness was approximately 1.8 mm.