Abstract

The conversion of quinoline over ReS2 supported on gamma-Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2 and TiO2 catalysts in a batch reactor at 300 degrees C and 5 MPa of hydrogen pressure was studied. The catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation with a loading of 1.5 atoms of Re per nm(2) of support. The catalysts were characterized by N-2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The Re(x)/supports catalysts displayed high activities for the conversion of quinoline, although negligible formation of N-free compounds (hydrodenitrogenation) were observed. The intrinsic activities of ReS2 were modified by the support decreased in the order: Re/TiO2 > Re/ZrO2 > Re/SiO2 > Re/g-Al2O3. The highest activity displayed by the Re/TiO2 catalyst was correlated with the Re dispersion and formation of ReS2 species. Meanwhile, the lower conversion of quinoline over the Re/ZrO2, Re/SiO2 and Re/g-Al2O3 catalysts was related to the combined effect of the textural properties of catalysts and the formation of ReS(2-x) species on the supports.