Ni-exchanged cationic clays as novel heterogeneous catalysts for selectiveethylene oligomerization

Montmorillonite rich clays, including bentonite, acid washed clay (K10) and Al-pillared clay were exchangedwith nickel in order to prepare novel heterogeneous catalysts for the ethylene oligomerization. The catalyticproperties were examined in flow mode (p =3.0 MPa, T=150–350 °C), and the results were related to thetextural and acidic characteristics of the catalysts. Due to higher surface area and mesoporous volume, as well asmoderate acidity, Ni-exchanged K10 exhibited superior catalytic behaviour compared to others catalysts. Ni-K10was very active (TOF =570 h−1), stable (high conversion during 20 h on stream), and highly selective to linearC4 and C6 olefins.