Ni-W/nano zeolite Y catalysts for n-heptane hydrocracking

Zeolite nanoparticles have attracted much interest in various catalytic applications due to their reportedly superior performance when compared with the microparticle counterpart. In this study, we report hydrocracking catalysts made from nano zeolite Y- NiO-WO3, The nano hydrocracking particles were compared for their performance with the micro hydrocracking particles. Both were prepared through the impregnation of nickel and tungsten salts, and tested under similar catalytic conditions at 350 degrees C and 400 degrees C, using n-heptane as the feed molecule. The nanoparticles registered superior total conversions of 98.3 wt. % and 95.7 wt. % at 350 degrees C and 400 degrees C respectively while the micro counterpart gave overall conversions of 78.3 wt. % and 34.6 wt. % at 350 degrees C and 400 degrees C respectively at the end of total time on stream of 180 min. The higher conversions for the nano zeolite Y hydrocracking particles suggest more accessibility of the active sites for the reaction to occur. This work may provide a further insight on utilizing zeolite nanoparticles for different catalytic applications, especially in conjunction with metallic elements. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.