Comparison of hydrogen adsorption and aniline hydrogenation over co-precipitated Co/Al₂O₃ and Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts

Abstract

Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts with different cobalt content (10–50 wt.%) have been prepared by a co-precipitation method at pH 8. The catalysts were characterised by physical measurements (pore volume, bulk density, surface area and XRD) and by H₂ and O₂ chemisorption. The catalytic properties were evaluated using the aniline hydrogenation reaction. The conversion and product selectivities are discussed with respect to metal content, reaction temperature and contact time. The adsorption and catalytic properties of Co/Al₂O₃ were compared with those of Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts containing the same metal content and prepared under similar conditions. The conversion and selectivity differences are discussed.