Post-synthesis alumination of MCM-41: Effect of the acidity on the HDS activity of supported Pd catalysts

Abstract Siliceous MCM-41 with different amount of alumina, from 0.25 up to 4.0 wt%, were prepared by impregnation of the MCM-41 with aqueous solution of Al(NO) 3 ·9H 2 O. The modified mesoporous silicas were then used as supports for Pd catalysts prepared by wet-impregnation from PdCl 2 precursor. Supports and corresponding Pd catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS and NH 3 -TPD. The catalytic behavior was tested in the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction of thiophene. An increase of the hydrodesulfurization activity with increasing alumina amount up to 0.5 wt% was observed. On the basis of the acidity change of the support and the structural modification underwent by the deposited palla…