A novel Ni2Mo3N/MCM41 catalyst for the hydrogenation of aromatics

Bulk and MCM41-supported Ni₂Mo₃N catalysts were prepared using a temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) method and characterized using XRD, TEM, ICP-AES, and N₂ adsorption analysis techniques. Their catalytic properties were measured for the simultaneous hydrogenation of p-xylene and naphthalene and compared with Ni/MCM41 and Mo₂N/MCM41 catalysts having similar metal loadings. The results indicate that the Ni₂Mo₃N/MCM41 catalyst exhibits excellent deep hydrogenation activity under mild condition (T = 483 K, P = 3.0 MPa), and that it is more active than either Ni/MCM41 or Mo₂N/MCM41 catalyst.