Characterization of nickel sulfate supported on γ-Al2O3 and its relationship to acidic properties

A series of NiSO₄/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method using an aqueous solution of nickel sulfate. The high catalytic activity of NiSO₄/γ-Al₂O₃ for both 2-propanol dehydration and cumene dealkylation was related to the increase of acidity and acid strength due to the addition of NiSO₄. 20(wt%)-NiSO₄/g-Al₂O₃ calcined at 600 °C exhibited maximum catalytic activities for 2-propanol dehydration and cumene dealkylation. The catalytic activities for both reactions were correlated with the acidity of catalysts measured by the ammonia chemisorption method. This paper is dedicated to Professor Wha Young Lee on the occasion of his retirement from Seoul National University.