Catalytic Performance of Re/Ga2O3/WO3/ZrO2 Catalyst for n-Hexane Isomerization

A series of Re/Ga2O3/WO3/ZrO2 (Re/GWZ) catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. The crystalline structure, redox, and acid site distribution of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, H-2 temperature-programmed reduction, and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption. Their catalytic performance for n-hexane isomerization was Studied. The results showed that the addition of Re greatly affected the redox properties and the acid site distribution of the catalysts. Owing to the presence of Re, the n-hexane isomerization was catalyzed by metal and acid sites, and thus the conversion of n-hexane and the selectivity for 2,2-dimethylbutane (2,2-DMB) were significantly increased. Under the conditions of 195 degrees C, 1.0 MPa, LHSV = 1.0 h(-1), and n(H-2)/n(C-6) = 2.0, the conversion of n-hexane over 1.0Re/1.0GWZ is 84.8%, and the selectivity for 2,2-DMB, i-hexane, and cracking products (C5-) is 20%, 97.7%, and 2.1%, respectively. The catalyst is stable during 150 h operation.