Supported NiMo carbidic (phosphidic)-sulphidic catalysts as interesting alternatives for hydrotreating of fatty acids to obtain renewable diesel

The effect of the composite type of NiMo on the hydrotreating of fatty acids was evaluated. XRF showed atomic ratio Ni:Mo and Mo:Ni:P ∼1 and SEM- EDS confirmed the elements were well-distributed on supports, although small metal aggregates were also observed. XRD revealed the Ni3Mo3C and NiMoP formation in the NiMo carbidic-sulphidic and phosphidic-sulphidic catalysts, respectively. MoS2 formation was observed by the Raman spectra. The carbidic-sulphidic/phosphidic-sulphidic composites have the following textural properties: 219/58 m2/g (SBET), 0.094/0.20 cm3/g (Vp), and 5.4/14.2 nm (Dp), but no correlation with the catalytic behavior. XPS results evidenced the mixture carbide-sulfide or phosphide-sulfide. NiMo phosphidic-sulfidic composite has higher activity in HDO, HDCx-HDCn, and HCK than the material obtained from carbides, which was related to metal oxophilic capacity.