Alumina-supported MoNx, MoCx and MoPx catalysts for the hydrotreatment of rapeseed oil

Abstract

The catalytic activity of molybdenum carbide (MoCx), nitride (MoNx), and phosphide (MoPx) was compared in the hydrotreatment of rapeseed oil performed in a continuous fixed bed reactor at 350–390 °C, 5.5 MPa and various Weight Hourly Space Velocities (WHSV). The deoxygenation activity was in the following order: MoCx > MoNx > > MoPx. In the case of MoCx, the temperature increase resulted in a decrease of the deoxygenation activity due to the competitive hydrocracking. Wherein, MoNx showed the highest tendency to hydrocracking and very strong effect of WHSV at 350 °C, which then became less significant at higher reaction temperatures. While MoPx activity was strongly influenced by the mass transfer limitations.