Catalyst additives

Abstract

A nickel slurry comprising a nickel catalyst, water and at least one rheology modifier, the activity of the nickel catalyst being equal to or greater than the activity of the equivalent nickel catalyst contained in a slurry which does not comprise rheology modifiers, wherein the at least one rheology modifier provides high viscosity at low shear stress and low viscosity at high shear stress.

1 . A nickel slurry comprising a nickel catalyst, water and at least one rheology modifier, wherein the activity of the nickel catalyst is equal to or greater than the activity of an equivalent nickel catalyst contained in a slurry which does not comprise rheology modifiers, wherein the at least one rheology modifier provides high viscosity at low shear stress and low viscosity at high shear stress. 
   
   
       2 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one rheology modifier is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, celluloses, hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsions, polyhydroxycellulose derivatives and any combination thereof. 
   
   
       3 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 1 , wherein the nickel slurry comprises from 1×10 −3  wt % to 3 wt % rheology modifiers relative to the total weight of the slurry. 
   
   
       4 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 1 , wherein the nickel slurry is alkaline. 
   
   
       5 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 2 , wherein the nickel slurry comprises from 1×10 −3  wt % to 3 wt % rheology modifiers relative to the total weight of the slurry. 
   
   
       6 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 2 , wherein the nickel slurry is alkaline. 
   
   
       7 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 3 , wherein the nickel slurry is alkaline. 
   
   
       8 . A nickel slurry according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rheology modifier is xanthan gum.