Synthesis and Properties of Catalytic Chemisorbents Based on Titanium Oxide

The synthesis and properties of catalytic chemisorbents based on titanium dioxide with ZnO and γ-Al₂O₃ additives were studied. The work was aimed at obtaining chemisorbents with specified performance characteristics and evaluating their potential in the reactions of hydrogenolysis of organosulfur compounds. Sulfur absorption capacity and hydrogenation ability were measured by the static carbon disulfide adsorption method. Textural and morphological characteristics were determined using X-ray powder diffraction analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and scanning electron microscopy. It was also found that the addition of aluminum oxide did not give additional reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern, in contrast to the introduction of zinc oxide. It was determined that the addition of zinc oxide significantly increased the specific surface area, which was several times greater than expected according to the additivity law. And on the contrary, the addition of aluminum oxide did not give the expected increase in the specific surface area. Both were explained through active interaction of the phases. The ratios of the components for obtaining chemisorbents with optimal strength properties were found. It was determined that the composite consisting of titanium and aluminum oxides is more resistant to sulfurization than that with zinc oxide additives. The mesoporous structure of the studied samples was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, while the sample containing γ-Al₂O₃ showed a more pronounced desorption branch and a surface consisting of spherical formations located in a regular order. The sample with zinc oxide had slit-like pores in its bulk. Hydrogenation of thiophene with gaseous hydrogen was carried out on the studied composites. Chromatographic analysis of the resulting product was made. It was proven that the composites based on titanium, zinc. and aluminum oxides not only can sorb organosulfur compounds, but also catalyze their hydrogenolysis. The experiment gives an insight into the synthesis and properties of catalytic chemisorbents based on titanium dioxide, emphasizing the influence of additives and their potential for reactions of reduction of organosulfur compound.