Abstract: Ethene dimerization over NiSO₄/γ-Al₂O₃ was studied.It is found that the activity of the catalyst for ethene dimerization is very high and its maximum value appeared at the loading of 5 wt% -10 wt% of Ni and calcination temperature of 773-873 K.The effects of support and sulfate anion on the activity was attributed to their influences on the catalyst acidity, which is one of the greatest factors affecting the dimerization.Since all of the catalysts derived from various sulfates except nickel sulfate are of no activity, though they are all strongly acidic, it was suggested that nickel component play a role as an active center.

Key words: Ethene dimerization, Nickel sulfate, Supporting-type catalyst