Effect of metal loading on activity, selectivity and deactivation behavior of Pd/silica–alumina catalysts in the hydroconversion of n -hexadecane

•Pd/silica–alumina catalysts were tested in the hydroconversion of n-hexadecane.•Metal loading showed a remarkable influence on the initial deactivation rate.•Initial deactivation could be related to coke formation.•Sintering of the metal particles was limited.•Catalytic activity plateaus after reaching a threshold value of palladium loading.•Methane formation is not correlated to Pd surface area.