Effect of metal content on the behavior of Pt/SAPO-31 catalysts in the hydroconversion of sunflower oil

Abstract

It is shown that catalysts based on Pt/SAPO-31 can be used for the single-stage conversion (in contrast to the two-stage commercial process) of vegetable oil into waxy diesel fuel components. The effect of the content of metal (0.5–2 wt % Pt) in the catalyst on its physicochemical and catalytic properties is studied. It is found that regardless of the platinum content, the activity of the catalysts diminishes during the reaction, as is indicated by a drop in their isomerization ability and the presence of oxygen-containing compounds in the reaction products. The physicochemical properties of Pt/SAPO-31 catalysts are studied via the IR spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine, hydrogen chemisorption, and transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that the catalytic degradation is caused by the poisoning of the acid sites and a reduction in the active surface area of the metallic component. Possible ways of improving the on-stream stability of Pt/SAPO-31 samples in the hydroconversion of vegetable oil are described.