Effect of support hydrophobicity of halloysite?based catalysts on the polyalphaolefin hydrofinishing performance

Hydrogenation of polyalphaolefins (PAOs) is an industrial process catalyzed by supported precious metals. In this regard, halloysite (Hal) clay has been proven as efficient support for the immobilization Pd nanoparticles and development high-performance catalysts under mild reaction condition. research, effect Hal hydrophobicity on PAO hydrofinishing efficiency studied. line, cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) was used adjusting surface. Three catalysts, Hal/Pd, Hal/Pd/CTAB, Hal/CTAB/Pd, were fabricated palladation Hal, treating palladated with CTAB CTAB-treated respectively. The characterized, their activity hydrogenation appraised. Moreover, a molecular simulation approach employed to survey surface alkene energy diagram steric maps main catalytic stages. Both experimental computational studies approved that presence detracts catalyst. order introduction affects content incorporated particle size, follows: Hal/Pd > Hal/Pd/CTAB Hal/CTAB/Pd. fact, 5 wt.% promoted at 130°C hydrogen pressure 8 bar furnish 98% hydrogenated PAO.