Linear Hexane Isomerization Over Bimetallic Zeolite Catalysts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and selectivity in isomerization of n-hexane of bimetallic zeolite catalysts containing a nickel transition metal in addition to palladium. Bimetallic bifunctional linear alkane isomerization catalysts based on the hydrogen form of MFI zeolite have been synthesized. The porous properties of the samples were investigated by means of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, the size of the metal component – by TEM, and the catalytic properties – in the micro-pulse isomerization of n-hexane. Antisymbatic correlation between the temperature of the maximum yield of hexane isomers and the amount of nickel in the sample was found for a stable palladium content. The introduction of nickel allows to reduce the optimum process temperature from 598 to 523 K.