Synthesis and characterization of zirconia-based catalyst for the isomerization of n-hexane

Sulfated zirconia is a very strong solid acid catalyst which can be utilized for various reactions. The present study focuses on synthesis of zirconia-based catalyst with high acidity and high surface area, particularly for isomerization reaction. Sulfated zirconia has been obtained by sulfation of zirconia prepared by hydrothermal route. The catalyst was developed by impregnating tungstophosphoric acid on sulfated zirconia by wet incipient method. The catalyst was characterized through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, temperature program reduction of hydrogen, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed that the catalyst is crystalline in nature with surface area 190-225m(2) g(-1) and acidity 0.135-0.558mmolg(-1). Twenty-five percent conversion was obtained (as confirmed by gas chromatography) at 225 degrees C using n-hexane as model hydrocarbon in fixed-bed microreactor.