Synthesis of Zeolite-Zeolite (MFI-FAU) Composite Catalysts for the Isomerization of n-Hexane

In this research work, the aim is to produce a relatively novel zeolite-zeolite (MFI-FAU) composite catalyst having better potential of catalyzing isomerization of lighter hydrocarbons such as light naphtha, n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane and mixture thereof. A series of zeolite-zeolite (MFI-FAU) composite catalysts have been synthesized by incorporating previous practices and techniques. The catalytic performance of as-synthesized zeolite-zeolite (MFI-FAU) composite catalysts have been investigated by isomerizing 95% pure n-hexane in conventional fixed bed flow micro-reactor at temperature 200-240 degrees C under atmospheric pressure. In order to explore chemical and physical features of zeolite-zeolite (MFI-FAU) composite catalysts, they are examined and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), N-2 adsorption-desorption measurements (BET, BJH, t-plot measurements) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy equipped with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) arrangements.