Bimetallic Nanoparticles as a Model System for an Industrial NiMo Catalyst

Area of Science:

• Catalysis
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Understanding reaction mechanisms is vital for advancing Molybdenum (Mo)-based catalysts used with biobased feedstocks.
• Fundamental studies of industrial catalysts are difficult, often necessitating simplified systems lacking direct industrial comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate size-selected bimetallic Nickel-Molybdenum (NiMo) nanoparticles as a relevant model catalyst system.
• To directly compare the model catalyst system with an industrial NiMo catalyst for assessing industrial relevance.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of both model NiMo nanoparticles and industrial supported NiMo catalysts using surface- and bulk-sensitive techniques.
• Synthesis of 25 nm NiMo alloyed nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution.

Main Results:

• Industrial catalysts show well-dispersed and mixed active Nickel (Ni) and Molybdenum (Mo) metals on the support.
• Ni-Mo interaction facilitates the reduction of Mo oxide.
• Synthesized NiMo nanoparticles possess a metallic core with a native oxide shell.

Conclusions:

• NiMo alloyed nanoparticles serve as a promising model system for fundamental studies of hydrotreating catalysts.
• This model system aids in understanding and developing catalysts for biobased feedstocks.