Preparación, adaptación morfológica y evaluación de catalizadores a base de esmectitas de la región de Loja con alúmina y paladio para la hidrogenación de aromáticos.

Abstract

This research aims adopt to development of technology and knoledge of industrial field such as refinement of petroleum products in Ecuador, in which abundant raw material in the Southern Zone in the province of Loja was used. Natural smectite morphologically adapted ceramic sponges was employed using as template polyurethane sponge and Luffa aegyptiaca natural sponge impregnated in a suspension of smectite. Then, they were calcined to 1100°C showing a mechanical strength of 89.05 and 77.88 N and low pressure drop. After that, they were functionalized as catalysts and analyzed by ChemiSorb equipment showing moderate surface area, good metal dispersion of 83.1% ECL and 57.7% ECP. The results of the catalytic evaluation with the hydrogenation reaction of toluene were brought to CG showing a conversion of 33% and 23% for catalysts supported on the ECL and ECP respectively. The catalyst ECL shows better conditions due to it is highly selective, active, and stable over time as well as being environmentally friendly.

Keys words: Suspension, smectite, Luffa, sponges smectite ceramics, catalyst.