Noble metal hydrogenation catalysts and aromatic saturation methods

Abstract

Methods are provided for modifying hydrogenation catalysts having silica supports (or other non-alumina supports) with additional alumina, and using such catalysts to achieve unexpectedly superior hydrogenation of feedstocks. The modified hydrogenation catalysts can have a relatively low cracking activity while providing an increased activity for hydrogenation.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A hydrogenation catalyst, comprising:
 0.1 wt % to 5.0 wt %, based on total catalyst weight, of a Group VIII noble metal on a silica support; and
 1.0 wt % to 2.5 wt %, based on a total catalyst weight, of alumina deposited on the silica support, the catalyst having a ratio of aluminum atoms in tetrahedral sites to octahedral sites of at least 1.0, 
 wherein the silica support comprises an amorphous silica support, a mesoporous silica support, or a combination thereof. 
   
     
     
         14 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 13 , wherein the Group VIII noble metal comprises Pt, Pd, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 13 , wherein the Group VIII noble metal comprises Pt. 
     
     
         16 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 15 , wherein the Group VIII noble metal further comprises one or more of Pd, Ir, or Rh, a molar ratio of Pt to the one or more of Pd, Ir, or Rh being at least 1:1. 
     
     
         17 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 13 , wherein the supported catalyst comprises 0.1 wt % to 2.0 wt % of the Group VIII noble metal. 
     
     
         18 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 13 , wherein the ratio of aluminum atoms in tetrahedral sites to octahedral sites is at least 1.5. 
     
     
         19 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 13 , wherein the catalyst comprises 1.0 wt % to 2.1 wt % of alumina deposited on the silica support. 
     
     
         20 . The hydrogenation catalyst of  claim 13 , wherein the catalyst comprises 1.1 wt % to 2.2 wt % of alumina deposited on the silica support.