BTX Hydrogenation in liquid phase using nanoparticles of Cobalt/MWCNTs and data analysis using RSM method

BTX compounds (Benzene, toluene and xylenes) are the main pollutants in air and fuels. Recent environmental legislations are limited the amount of these materials specially the amount of benzene in gasoline due to its carcinogen effects on health. In this research, the BTX hydrogenation was carried out using nanoparticles of Co supported on MWCNTs (multiwall carbon nanotubes) and AC (activated carbon) in liquid phase according to experimental design techniques and results were analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). The benzene, toluene and xylenes are hydrogenated to the corresponding saturated compounds at 64.45, 34.10 and 17.41 % yields respectively under 35 bar pressure at 200 °C. Also it is found that the Co/MWCNTs can be considered as candidate catalyst for benzene reducing in gasoline fuel. The catalysts were synthesized through wet impregnation method and characterized using XRD, TGA, TPR and TEM techniques.