Isobutane aromatization in the presence of propane as a co-reactant over H-ZSM-5 catalysts using different crystallization times

Co-Aromatization of isobutane and propane over H-ZSM-5 and Zn/ZSM-5 catalysts prepared by different crystallization time ranging from 24 h to 96 h at 180 °C was studied. The samples were characterized via XRD, BET, SEM and NH3-TPD. A maximum for crystallinity was observed at 72 h with 98% and Acidity along with crystal size increased with time. Performance tests in a fixed bed reactor at 550 °C showed that catalytic activity increased with crystallization time while the aromatics selectivity increased with crystallinity. The results also indicated that conversion of propane in the presence of isobutane was dramatically lower than individual propane test.