Comparison between Ni and Pt promoted SO42--ZrO2 catalysts for n-octane hydroisomerization-cracking

J.C. YORI; J.M. GRAU; V.M. BENITEZ; C.R. VERA; C.L. PIECK; J.M. PARERA

CATALYSIS LETTERS

Año: 2005 vol. 100 p. 65 - 71

1011-372X

The production of C4-C6 branched isoalkanes by isomerization-cracking of n-octane (300ºC, 0.1 MPa) using sulfated zirconia catalysts was studied. The effect of Ni addition on the activity and stability of the catalysts. Ni mainly improved the selectivity to isoparaffins (maximun yield at 1% Ni). n-Octane conversion fully correlated with total acidity. Average and final stable conversion values were in comparison lower for Ni catalysts. This result was addressed to the lower metal activity of Ni and to the detrimental effect of sulfated zirconia on the reducibility of the metal.