Mohsen Ismael Khalil’s research while affiliated with University of Tikrit and other places

The study encompasses an investigation of a local natural mineral material found in the Nimrud region/Ibrahim Al‐Khalil village (40 km southeast of Mosul city). This is achieved through chemical analysis and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify its various elemental components. Subsequently, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is employed to determine the percentage ratios of clay minerals (natural zeolites) and nonclay minerals comprising the natural mineral ore. The natural zeolite is then selectively concentrated by removing carbonates, iron, and reactive silica (amorphous silica) followed by impregnation with nickel using the compound Ni(NO 3 ) 2 .6H 2 O. The properties and characteristics of the prepared zeolites (impregnated and nonimpregnated) are investigated using XRF, XRD, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis reveals its compliance with both chemical and crystalline specifications of zeolites, in addition to good surface area, selective porous channels, and thermal stability.

This research focuses on the utilization of abundant natural mineral resources in Iraq to prepare both unmodified natural zeolite and nickel‐modified zeolite. These zeolites are employed in the catalytic thermal structural reforming process of naphtha distillates (35–200 °C) under initial temperature conditions (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 °C) using a constant catalyst ratio. The zeolites, prepared in two forms, 1% by weight, and with a reaction time of 1 h, are first tested to determine the optimal temperature. Subsequently, the catalyst ratio and reaction time are adjusted based on the initial conditions for each catalyst, to establish the optimum conditions for unmodified zeolite at a temperature of 350 °C, a catalyst ratio of 3%, and a reaction time of 3 h. For nickel‐modified zeolite, the optimal conditions are found to be a temperature of 300 °C, a catalyst ratio of 3%, and a reaction time of 3 h. The catalysts exhibited the ability to form rings and facilitate hydrogenation reactions, resulting in the preparation of aromatic compounds that reach threefold their original concentration. Specifically, the concentration increases from 7.1% to 23.61% in the nickel‐modified catalyst.