NiSO4 Supported on FeO-promoted ZrO2 Catalyst for Ethylene Dimerization

The $NiSO_4$ supported on FeO-promoted $ZrO_2$ catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. FeOpromoted $ZrO_2$ was prepared by the coprecipitation method using a mixed aqueous solution of zirconium oxychloride and iron nitrate solution followed by adding an aqueous ammonia solution. The addition of nickel sulfate (or FeO) to $ZrO_2$ shifted the phase transition of $ZrO_2$ (from amorphous to tetragonal) to higher temperatures because of the interaction between nickel sulfate (or FeO) and $ZrO_2$. 10-$NiSO_4$/5-FeO-$ZrO_2$ containing 10 wt % $NiSO_4$ and 5 mol % FeO, and calcined at 500 ${^{\circ}C}$ exhibited a maximum catalytic activity for ethylene dimerization. $NiSO_4$/FeO-$ZrO_2$ catalysts was very effective for ethylene dimerization even at room temperature, but FeO-$ZrO_2$ without $NiSO_4$ did not exhibit any catalytic activity at all. The catalytic activities were correlated with the acidity of catalysts measured by the ammonia chemisorption method. The addition of FeO up to 5 mol % enhanced the acidity, surface area, thermal property, and catalytic activities of catalysts gradually, due to the interaction between FeO and $ZrO_2$ and due to consequent formation of Fe-O-Zr bond.