Preparation of Ni₂P/TiO₂ catalyst and its reactivity for benzene hydrogenation

A series of supported Ni₂P catalysts on TiO₂ were prepared. Benzene hydrogenation was chosen as a model reaction to investigate the influences of Ni loading, initial Ni/P mole ratio. Ni₂P was the main phase on the TiO₂ supported catalysts. Ni₂P/TiO₂ catalysts had high activity with 100% cyclohexane selectivity and excellent stability in benzene hydrogenation reaction. The preparation factors had great effects on the activity of benzene hydrogenation reaction. With the increase of Ni₂P loading, the activity of the Ni₂P/TiO₂, catalyst increased firstly and then decreased. Benzene conversion reached a maximum with Ni₂P loading of about 12%. The activity and stability of the Ni₂P/TiO₂ catalysts were also affected profoundly by the initial phosphorus content. With the increase of the initial P/Ni mole ratio, the reaction stability was better, but the steady activity increased firstly and then decreased. Ni₂P/SiO₂ catalysts showed better activity and stability in benzene hydrogenation reaction.