Preparation of alumina supported molybdena catalysts by new slurry impregnation method: MoO3/Al2O3 sulfide hydrodesulfurization catalyst

A new slurry impregnation method (SIM) of the preparation of a catalyst or catalyst precursor MoO₃/Al₂O₃ is described. Aqueous slurry of powdered MoO₃ is mixed with alumina extradátes and the mixture is refluxed. A low solubility of MoO₃ is sufficient for transport of MoO₃ from powder form via solution to the surface of the support. The catalysts were tested by hydrodesulfurization of thiophene at 1.6 MPa and 280–400°C. Their activity was similar to the activity of industrial and laboratory MoO₃/Al₂O₃ samples prepared by conventional impregnation with solution of ammonium heptamolybdate. The advantage of the SIM method is that calcination, producing nitrogeneous waste gases, is not required and that all deposited molybdenum species are adsorbed and not precipitated.