Preparation of the Al13 Sol via Electrodialysis as an Effective Binder of FCC Catalysts

This study presented a clean preparation process of alumina sols via electrodialysis. For the first time, as an effective binder for fluid catalytic cracking catalysts, the Al13-enriched product was found to be easily converted to γ-Al2O3 with a larger BET specific surface area, pore volume, more Lewis acids, Al-OH sites, and lower Cl– content after calcination. A series of spray-dried FCC catalysts were steam-aged and tested by heavy oil cracking. In comparison with the commercial sol-containing FCC catalysts, Al13-containing catalysts exhibited higher accessibility of active centers, mechanical strength, heavy oil cracking ability, and liquid yield.