Effect of Co and Ni on benzene hydrogenation and sulfur tolerance of Pt/H-MOR Original Research Article

The activity and sulfur resistance of Pt promoted by Co and Ni in MOR have been studied in benzene hydrogenation. The highest benzene hydrogenation activity is observed for Pt/H-MOR and is attributed to its high acid site concentration and the higher electron deficiency of Pt. XANES studies show that the presence of Co and Ni decreases the Pt white line intensity suggesting an increase of the Pt apparent electronic density. This has been correlated with decreasing catalytic activity and sulfur tolerance of the catalysts. Brønsted acid sites seem to be involved and beneficial for benzene hydrogenation.