Comparison of the performance of nickel and molybdenum containing metal-organic framework catalysts in conversion of heavy fuel oil

Conversion of heavy residual oils like Mazut  is of great importance due to the decrease in local consumption and export following the legislation of strict environmental limitations. In this regard, catalytic conversion of Mazut in the presence of nickel and molybdenum supported on MAF-6 metal-organic framework is studied. MAF-6 was nominated as active phase carrier in heavy oil owing to its higher surface area, milder acidity and flexible framework compared to conventional industrial supports like Alumina and also very high hydrophobicity. Metal insertion was performed via in-situ method and influence of 0.7wt% of prepared catalyst on quality and quantity of upgraded liquid was investigated. Compared to the thermal upgrading, upgrading with nickel and molybdenum containing catalysts were accompanied with 52% and 37.5% more viscosity reduction, 3% and 11.4% higher asphaltene removal, increase in light and middle distillates content from 67.6% to 73.5% and 70.5% and more decrease in aromaticity, respectively.