Granular Mesoporous Carbon Using Soft Template as a Support for Synthesis of HDS Catalyst

Abstract

Background This research aims to synthesize a novel granular mesoporous activated carbon (AC). The produced carbon is utilized as a support for synthesis of a catalyst of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process of a heavy naphtha sample. The novel AC benefits from a high mechanical strength despite its mesoporous structure originating from removing the existing defects. Methods A combination of binders with soft template is applied on the carbon to enhance its mechanical strength and establish its mesoporous structure. Also, effects of acid modification to the binder on the mechanical properties and surface characteristics of AC are investigated. Also, a Fe-Mo catalyst is synthesized on the prepared and commercial AC, and is tested for HDS process. Significant findings Accordingly, the results show that the average pore size and specific surface area of AC are increased significantly. Also, results showed that use of a combination of the cellulosic binder and the organic acid leads to the creation of a mesoporous structure in carbon with an average pore size of 5.6 nm, while inorganic acid creates micropore structure. The results indicate that sulfur conversion of feed at atmospheric pressure, using the prepared catalyst, is 80% while the synthetic catalyst on commercial AC-support brings 66% conversion.