Synthesis And Characterisation Of Halloysite Nanotubes Supported Nickel Catalysts For Hydrogenation Of Benzene

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Date
2017-06
Authors
Yusli, Farhana
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Two series of halloysite nanotubes supported nickel catalysts (Ni-HNT) were prepared using classical and non-classical methods via impregnation technique. The Ni content was varied between 2-14 wt% in both series of Ni-HNT catalysts. Catalysts were characterized via Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), N2-adsorption desorption analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Hydrogen Temperature-Programmed Desorption (H2-TPD), Hydrogen Chemisorption and Hydrogen Temperature-Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR) techniques. The SEM analysis showed that Ni particles were scattered depending on the different wt% of Ni regardless of the preparation methods. XRD results reveal the presence of NiO particles for the catalysts prepared via classical technique and the presence of Ni metal particles for the non-classical technique. The SEM analysis showed that the Ni species were deposited in the lumen of HNT as well as on its surface. The H2-TPD and H2 chemisorption analyses suggested that different active sites and Ni particle sizes may affect the desorption and adsorption of H2 respectively. Besides, the H2- TPR analysis indicates the different strength of interaction of the Ni-HNT catalysts as well as the availability of unreduced Ni species. For the classical catalysts, it was found that the 9.3 wt% Ni-HNT/C showed the best conversion of benzene to cyclohexane throughout the temperature range studied. This is due to the good dispersion and less agglomeration of the Ni particles as confirmed by SEM and XRD results.
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Keywords
Characterisation of halloysite nanotubes , hydrogenation of benzene
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