A StructuredCatalyst toward Mercaptan Sweeteningwith Largely Enhanced Synergistic Effect.

A structuredcatalyst has been fabricated by immobilizing cobaltphthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (CoPcS) on a MgNiAl mixed metal oxide(MgNiAl-MMO) film derived from calcination of layered double hydroxide(LDH). The resulting CoPcS/MgNiAl-MMO catalyst exhibits excellentactivity, stability, and recyclability for the reaction of mercaptansweetening. SEM images show that the structured catalyst is composedof thin MMO nanoflakes perpendicular to the Al substrate. The synergisticeffect between the oxidation center (CoPcS) and the abundant moderatebasic sites on the surface of the MgNiAl-MMO substrate plays an importantrole in the sweetening process, accounting for the largely enhancedcatalytic behavior (conversion: 92.8%; selectivity: 100%). In addition,the structured catalyst exhibits superior catalysis regeneration performance,owing to its specific architecture and strong mechanical stability.This work demonstrates a facile approach for modulating the synergisticeffect between the active center and the basicity for the structuredcatalyst, for the purpose of achieving largely enhanced catalyticbehavior in the petroleum refining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]