Comparative study of the activity of cobalt and nickel as promoters of HDS catalysts

A series of trimetallic (NiCoMo) hydrodesulphurisation supported catalysts were prepared using a successive impregnation method, varying the ratio of promoters Ni/(Ni + Co) and maintaining the ratio (Ni + Co)/Mo constant. Optima for higher thiophene hydrodesulphurisation activity were found for ratios Ni/(Ni + Co) of 0.7 and 0.8. It is suggested that the optima may be strongly dependent on method of catalyst preparation, and/or type of support employed. Presulphidation was found to increase the activity in NiMo more than in CoMo. Testing of commercial catalysts confirmed various differences between CoMo and NiMo catalysts.