Catalytic hydrogenation of a pyrolysis gasoline model feed over supported NiRu bimetallic catalysts with Ru content from 0.01 wt% to 0.1 wt%.

Graphical abstract Highlights • Supported NiRu bimetallic catalysts with trace Ru were prepared by using NiRuAl-LDHs precursors. • Ru promotes the reduction of Ni2+ in LDHs by hydrogen spillover and significantly decreases the size of Ni metal particles. • NiRu alloy particles are formed during the Ni reduction. • NiRu/Al 2 O 3 bimetallic catalysts exhibit enhanced activity and stability in selective hydrogenation of styrene. Abstract Developing effective nickel-based catalysts in hydrogenation of pyrolysis gasoline (PyGas) is of great importance in chemical industry. Herein, we report a facile fabrication of Al 2 O 3 -supported NiRu bimetallic catalysts, with Ru content ranging from 0.01 wt% to 0.1 wt%, by reducing of precursors of Ni2+Ru3+Al3+-containing layered double hydroxides (NiRuAl-LDHs) in flowing hydrogen. Their catalytic performance was evaluated by styrene hydrogenation, a model reaction in industrial hydrogenation of PyGas (abbreviated as PyGasMF). The LDH precursors initially in situ grow on the surface of microspherical γ -Al 2 O 3 supports. Doping Ru3+ in LDH main layers promotes reduction of Ni2+ by hydrogen spillover and decreases significantly the size of Ni metal particles, and NiRu alloy particles are formed during the reduction. Substitution of an appropriate amount of Ni for Ru enhances the catalytic activity and stability in styrene hydrogenation, demonstrating a synergistic effect of Ni and Ru on hydrogenation reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]