Naphtha reforming Pt-Re-Ge/ã-Al2O3 catalysts prepared by catalytic reduction. Influence of the pH of the Ge addition step

S. A. D'IPPOLITO; C. R. VERA; F. EPRON; C. ESPECEL; P. MARéCOT; C. L. PIECK

CATALYSIS TODAY

Año: 2007

0920-5861

Pt-Re-Ge/ãAl2O3 catalysts were prepared by the catalytic reduction method using different impregnation media, H2O, HCl and NH3, and different Ge contents, 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 2.0 %.  The influence of these preparation variables on the activity for n-heptane conversion at atmospheric pressure and the selectivity to toluene was assessed.  The catalysts were also characterized by ICP-AES, temperature programmed reduction, pyridine temperature programmed desorption and CO pulse chemisorption.  The results show that as the pH is increased the Ge content is increased and the prepared catalysts display a lower hydrogenolytic activity and lower toluene selectivity.  Ge addition modifies both the metal and acid functions.  The best performing catalyst is that with the minimum Ge content prepared using water as impregnation medium.