Isomerization of Higher Alkane Over Platinum Supported on Nanoporous Materials.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the catalytic potential of Pt/MMZ-FER catalysts in hydroisomerization of long chain hydrocarbon. MMZ-FER, a nanoporous material produced from commercial ferrierite, was used as a support for the catalysts. The catalysts were characterized via X-ray powder diffraction, N2 adsorption, pyridine-IR, and the temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. Hydroisomerization of n-dodecane was performed on Pt/MMZ-FER catalysts. Hydroisomerization requires platinum loading on MMZ-FER, even though the amount of platinum loaded (up to 1.2 wt%) did not greatly affect the process of hydroisomerization. Weak acid sites developed on the Pt/MMZ-FER samples induced less cracking of n-dodecane, resulting in an increase in selectivity for isomerization.