Evaluation of alumina-aluminum phosphate catalyst supports for hydrodenitrogenation of pyridine and coal-derived liquids

Several alumina-aluminum phosphate (AAP) catalyst supports were prepared by a coprecipitation method. Effect of variations in AVP atomic ratios on support textural properties were examined. Finished NiMo/AAP catalysts containing nominally 3 wt % Ni and 13 wt % Mo were prepared by incipient wetness and characterized by several methods including elemental, BET, and XPS surface analysis. Initial hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) activities of the catalysts were examined in both pyridine model compound and coal liquid reactions. The AAP supports showed the opportunity to tailor the catalyst pore size by variation of the Al/P ratio. On a per unit surface area basis, the AAP-supported catalysts had initial HDN activities comparable to those of a commercial P-promoted NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst. Because of their unique textural properties, i.e. variable pore sizes, the AAP catalysts may offer advantages when dealing with macromolecular feedstocks where hindered diffusion may slow reaction rates.