Hydrotreating of light cycle oil over CoMo catalysts supported on niobia-alumina or niobia-silica

CoMo catalysts supported on niobia-alumina or niobia-silica in different proportions: 0, 5, 0, 15, 20 and 100 wt% Nb2O5 were synthesized. The supports and catalytic precursors were characterized by different physicochemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface measurements (BET specific area), chemical analysis by EDX and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results of characterization showed the presence of niobia in the silica or alumina matrix as its concentration increased. Furthermore, the surface area of supports depended on the niobia concentration and supported CoMo catalysts. These catalysts were tested in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction of thiophene, hydrogenation (HYD) of cyclohexene and hydrotreating (HDT) of Light Cycle Oil (LCO). The presence of niobia in the supports determined the activity of these catalysts. The niobia-alumina supports were more active than the niobia-silica supports. The hydrotreating of LCO improved the characteristics of the LCO, decreased sulfur content, and also the aromatic compounds.