Hydrodesulfurization of Dibenzothiophene on a CoNiMo Catalyst

In order to evaluate the performance of CoNiMo/gamma-Al2O3, the hydrogenolysis of dibenzothiophene was carried out. The conversion of dibenzothiophene, the yields of the reaction products and the unconverted sulfur content, expressed in ppm, were determined, at different temperatures in the catalytic layer (300 degrees C-360 degrees C), pressures (40 bar-60 bar) and liquid hourly space velocity (1-4h(-1)). The hydrodesulphurization catalyst was characterized by: determining the textural characteristics (BET specific surface area, mean pore diameter and pore volume), the acidic strength distribution, morphological analysis (scanning electron microscopy SEM) and by identification of the species (X-ray diffraction - XRD). The analysis of the textural characteristics results in an ordered mesoporous structure of the catalyst, with a specific area of 280 m(2)/g and a medium pore diameter of 4.42 nm. At high temperature of 360 degrees C and pressure of 60bar, the CoNiMo/gamma-Al2O3 exhibit a good activity in hydrodesulphurization, with a 100% conversion of dibenzotiophene.