Optimal Ir/Pt ratio for the ring opening of decalin in zeolite supported catalysts

The aim of this study was to study the ring opening of decalin at 300 and 350 °C using Pt–Ir/HY zeolite catalysts. Monometallic Ir(x = 1.0, 1.5 wt%) and Pt(y = 1.0, 1.5 wt%) and bimetallic Ir(1.0)Pt(y = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt%), Ir(1.5)Pt(y = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt%) catalysts were prepared and catalytically tested. Catalysts were characterized by TPR, pyridine TPD, CO–FTIR, XRD, cyclohexane dehydrogenation and cyclopentane hydrogenolysis activity tests. It was found that the acidic character of Ir oxides species increased the amount of strong acid sites of the support. On the other hand, the Pt content increase favored the formation of medium strength acid sites. The catalysts with higher content of Ir had the higher hydrogenolytic activity while an increase in the Pt content decreased the hydrogenolytic activity. The presence of Pt promoted the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane. Higher yields of dehydrogenated products and increased conversion of cis-decalin were observed at the highest temperature level. The zeolite structure was partially collapsed in the case of the Ir(1.5)Pt(1.5) catalyst. Ir(1.0)Pt(1.0) catalysts at 350 °C and Ir(1.5)Pt(1.5) catalysts at 300 °C, which showed a good performance, seem to have an adequate balance between metal and acid functions that favors the opening of naphthenic rings.

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► Decalin ring opening using Pt–Ir/HY zeolite catalysts was studied.
► Catalysts with higher content of Ir have the higher hydrogenolytic activity.
► An increase in Pt content of catalysts favors the hydrogenating activity.
► Ir(1.0)Pt(1.0) and Ir(1.5) Pt(1.5) catalysts showed better performance for SRO.