Solvent mediated impurity removal process for a spent hydroprocessing catalyst and its use in alcohol oxidations

Abstract

Spent catalyst waste derived from a petrochemical refinery was treated to remove oil and other hydroprocessing process impurities aimed to a subsequent reuse. The catalyst recovery was accomplished through an oil removal method which involved a consecutive draining-solvent extraction–calcination process. Some solvents were tested for catalyst solvent extraction step and ethyl acetate showed optimal impurity removal and environmental compatibility. The recovered catalysts were analyzed by diverse techniques and tested in the oxidation of benzylic alcohols. Results demonstrate that conversion to carboxylic acids requires 10% w/w recovered catalyst together to hydrogen peroxide as co-oxidant.