Structure and activity of unsupported NiWS2 catalysts for slurry phase hydrocracking of vacuum residue: XAFS studies

The catalytic activities of the dispersed NixW(1−x)S2 catalysts were investigated for hydrocracking (HCK) of vacuum residue (VR) at 693 K, 9.5 MPa H2 with the same amount of catalyst loading of 0.113 mmol as a metal basis. The catalysts were prepared in situ in the reaction using nickel acetylacetonate and tungsten hexacarbonyl as Ni and W precursors, respectively. Structural properties of the dispersed catalysts were characterized by extended X-ray absorption fine structure and transmission electron microscopy, which confirmed the formation of a well-dispersed NixW(1−x)S2 phase in the size range 8–10 nm. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the bimetallic metal sulfides of NixW(1−x)S2 feature promotional activity in the VR HCK, showing higher turnover frequency values and less coke formation in VR HCK than monometal sulfides.