Synthesis of Nickel In Situ Modified SAPO-11 Molecular Sieves and Hydroisomerization Performance of Their NiWS Supported Catalysts

SAPO-11 molecular sieves were modified with different Ni contents by the in situ modification method. The Ni-modified SAPO-11 molecular sieves were used as the supports to prepare the corresponding NiW-supported catalysts for the hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane. The Ni-modified SAPO-11 and the corresponding NiW-supported catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption, NH3-temperature-programmed desorption, pyridine adsorbed infrared, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that Ni in situ modification preserved the crystal structure of SAPO-11; increased the BET specific surface area, mesopore volume, and medium and strong Brønsted acid amount of SAPO-11; and increased the stacking number of the active phase of the catalysts. 3Ni-SAPO-11 possessed the largest BET specific surface area, mesopore volume, and medium and strong Brønsted acid amount. NiW/3Ni-SAPO-11 possessed the highest dispersion of the active phase and the highest sulfidation degree of the active metals. The results of the hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane showed that Ni in situ modification improved the catalytic activity and selectivity of the catalysts for the hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane to varying degrees. Especially, NiW/3Ni-SAPO-11 had the highest catalytic activity and isomer selectivity, and the maximum yield of isomeric hexadecane could reach 71.18%.