A new route for synthesizing nickel phosphide catalysts with high hydrodesulfurization activity based on sodium dihydrogenphosphite

Bulk and supported Ni2P catalysts were prepared through a novel method using a solid mechanical mixture of Na(H2PO3)(2) and NiCl2 center dot 6H(2)O in definite molar ratio as a precursor. The precursor was heated at 200-300 degrees C for 1 h in flowing N-2 to form Ni2P catalysts. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study the formation of the phase. The mechanistic progress of Ni2P was studied using thermo gravimetry and the results indicate that NiCl2 is reduced by PH3 produced from decomposition of NaH2PO3 at 250 degrees C. The dibenzothiophene (DBT) hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of the Ni2P/SiO2 catalysts was measured, and good activities were observed at different temperatures. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.