Modified nano supported catalyst for selective catalytic hydrogenation of edible oils

We report an interesting finding that the catalytic performance of supported Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst towards selective catalytic hydrogenation of edible oils can be greatly enhanced by pretreatment of the γ-Al₂O₃ support before catalyst preparation. Calcination of Al₂O₃ at appropriate temperatures results in the highly dispersive nano Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst and thus improves the catalytic performance. Catalyst sample of improved physical properties prepared by modified procedure using γ-Al₂O₃ as support was characterized using powder XRD, SEM, BET, FTIR, Particle size analyzer, CO-chemisorption, and TPR studies. These studies indicate that support pretreatment results in enhancing catalyst dispersion with increase in Ni loadings. Clearly the effect of surface area and particle size of the catalyst coupled with surface properties and method of catalyst preparation on the saturated fats content of the foods like margarines prevails.