Process for synthesis of molybdenum sulfide-based catalysts

摘要

A process for preparing a molybdenum sulfide-based catalyst comprises drying a precipitated molybdenum sulfide-based catalyst precursor, for example, a wet filter cake, such that a particulate catalyst precursor, containing from 12 to 15 percent by weight water, is formed. The particulate catalyst precursor is desirably in the form of free-flowing particles. The particulate catalyst precursor is then auto-reduced. A rotary furnace that subjects the catalyst precursor to at least two zones having distinct temperatures may be conveniently used for drying, auto-reduction, or both. The staged drying and auto-reduction steps reduce the tendency of the precursor to self-heat, which is undesirable because it reduces both the activity and selectivity of the final catalyst.

主权项

1. A process for preparing a catalyst, comprising
drying a precipitated catalyst precursor containing at least molybdenum and sulfur such that it contains from 12 to 15 weight percent water; simultaneously with or subsequently to drying, accomplishing passivation of the precipitated catalyst precursor by exposing it to air, an inert atmosphere, or a combination thereof under conditions suitable to form a passivated particulate catalyst precursor, passivation being defined to mean that the particulate catalyst precursor does not self-heat to more than 100° C. if exposed to air; and then thermally auto-reducing the passivated particulate catalyst precursor at a temperature ranging from 350° C. to 550° C. to form a catalyst.