Modification of nickel supported over ZnO for HDS of thiophene with neodymium

Ni/ZnO and Ni-Nd/ZnO were prepared by impregnation method, and the catalytic activities of Ni/ZnO and Ni-Nd/ZnO for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of thiophene were tested. The catalysts were characterized by temperature programmed reduction(TPR), H2-TPD and NH3-TPD. The results showed that Ni-Nd/ZnO exhibited higher catalytic activity than Ni/ZnO, because the active surface area and the amount of H2 adsorption were increased by the addition of Nd. Compared with Ni/ZnO, Ni-Nd/ZnO showed more H2 adsorbing centers and stronger acid property, which were also in favor of the reaction.