Method for preparing a heterogeneous, high-activity platinum-containing, supported hydrogenation catalyst

A method for preparing a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst that comprises a Group VIII A metal and a catalyst support via aqueous deposition precipitation, the method comprising:

• a. preparing a wetted silica catalyst support via aqueous deposition precipitation by precipitating, at a temperature of at least 60 degrees centigrade, a Group VIII A metal precursor from an aqueous solution of the Group VIII A metal precursor onto a silica catalyst support, the aqueous solution having a pH within a range of from 8 to 12, the wetted silica catalyst support having the Group VIII A metal precursor deposited on, and dispersed across, catalyst support surfaces;
• b. converting the wetted silica catalyst support to a dried silica catalyst support;
• and
• c. subjecting the dried silica catalyst support to a reducing atmosphere under conditions sufficient to convert the Group VIII A metal precursor to its metallic state, wherein the reduced Group VIII A metal has a percent dispersion of at least 25 percent and the catalyst has a hydrogenation activity of at least 0.1 moles of aromatic rings per hour per gram of catalyst.