Micro-Mesoporous Catalyst Based on Dealuminated Halloysite Nanotubes for Isomerization of C-8 Aromatic Fraction

A micro-mesoporous composite consisting of ZSM-5 zeolite and halloysite aluminosilicate nanotubes preliminarily treated with sulfuric acid was prepared and studied. The textural and structural characteristics of the composite, support, and catalyst based on it were examined by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and temperature-programmed ammonia desorption. The activity and selectivity that the Pt-containing catalyst based on the composite material obtained exhibits in isomerization of the C-8 aromatic fraction were evaluated. The results obtained using the micro-mesoporous catalyst under varied process conditions (temperature, feed space velocity) were compared to those obtained with the commercial catalyst. The micro-mesoporous catalyst Pt/ZSM-5 + Т-HNT/Al 2 O 3 ensures quantitative conversion of ethylbenzene and increased, compared to the commercial analog, content of the para isomer in the mixture of xylenes at 360°С, feed space velocity of 6 h –1 , hydrogen pressure of 1.0 MPa, and Н 2 /feed ratio of 1200 L n.c. L –1 .