La–Ni modified S2O82−/ZrO2-Al2O3 catalyst in n-pentane hydroisomerization

•La–Ni–SZA catalyst exhibits highest isomerization activity at lower temperature.•The addition of Ni can promote redox performance of catalyst.•The Ni metal can promote the formation of Lewis acid sites.•The addition of La could lead to a higher dispersion of metal and more acid sites.

The La –Ni–S2O82−/ZrO2 –Al2O3 (La–Ni–SZA) was prepared and the effect of La and Ni on the structure and isomerization performance of catalyst was investigated. The addition of La could lead to a higher dispersion of metal and more acid sites. The addition of Ni can promote redox performance of catalyst and formation of Lewis acid sites. The highest isopentane yield of 66.5% at a lower reaction temperature of La–Ni–SZA can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between La and Ni.

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