Si-pillared MFI zeolites as promising supports for HDS catalysts

Nickel and cobalt sulfide-based catalysts supported on a silicon-pillared MFI zeolite were synthesized, characterized, and tested in the hydrodesulfurization reaction of dibenzothiophene. The metallic phases were incorporated by following the incipient wetness impregnation process, and different techniques were employed to determine the physicochemical properties of the obtained catalysts, such as X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption at – 196 °C, Infrared Spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. The catalytic performance in the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene showed that the NiW catalyst was the most active due to the redispersion of NiS on WS₂ to form the active NiWS phase. Instead, the desired CoWS phase did not occur under the presence of cobalt, and therefore, the catalytic performance worsened.