Abstract
Ni-exchanged mesoporous materials with SBA-15 topologywere prepared by post-synthesis alumination of SBA-15 silica withsodium aluminate at room temperature, followed by ion exchange withnickel. Exploration of various parameters resulted in a simple preparationmethod for catalysts with perfect pore system and aluminiumtetrahedrally coordinated in the silica framework for Si/Al > 6. Theseproperties were proved by using appropriate characterisation techniques,including powder X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption, TEM, and27Al MAS NMR. Ni-AlSBA-15 exhibited outstanding catalytic propertiesin the oligomerization reaction of ethylene performed at 150 °Cand 3.5MPa. Activity up to 175 g of oligomers per gram of catalyst perhour was the highest reported to date with Ni-based solid catalysts.