A series of Ni catalysts supporled on AIMCM-41 with different Si/Al ratio were prepared and characterized by N2 absorption, XRD, NH3-TPD and H2-TPR. It was shown that a part of AIMCM-41 framework collapsed and the interaction of Ni oxidic species with support increased with the increase of Al content after nickel impregnation. In addition, the acidity of the catalysts was mostly weak-medium one. The evaluation of the catalysts in the /i-dodecane hydroconversion showed that, when the Si/Al ratio increased in the range of 17.4 ~ 38.7, the apparent n- dodecane conversion and the hydrogenolysis selectivity increased, while the isomerization selectivity passed through a maximum at Si/Al = 23.2 and then decreased. At Si/Al = 17.4, the metal/acid function of the catalyst was nearly in balance. The carbon number distribution of cracked products was symmetrical about C6 and the higher t/n-(C4 ~ Cg) ratio could be obtained.

Key words: NICKEL, CATALYST, dodecane, HYDROGENATION, XRD, TPD