Synthesis of zirconium and cerium over HZSM-5 catalysts for light olefins production from naphtha

HZSM-5 samples modified with Ce and Zr, separately and simultaneously, were prepared for naphtha catalytic cracking at 650 °C and 700 °C. The physicochemical features of parent and modified catalysts were characterized by SEM, XRD, BET, and NH3-TPD. Separate loading of Ce and Zr increased the number of acid sites which was favorable for light olefins production. The maximum yields of ethylene (19.62 wt.%) and propylene (36.64 wt.%) were achieved over 8% Zr/HZSM-5 and 2% Zr/HZSM-5, respectively. Loading Ce and Zr, simultaneously, decreased the number of acid sites which caused a reduction of ethylene and propylene production.