Impact of dopant metal ions in the framework of parent zirconia on the n-heptane isomerization activity of the Pt/WO3-ZrO2 catalysts

•C7 isomerization activity of Pt-WOx/ZrO2 is controlled by coverage of the support surface by WOx species.•The activity is therefore controlled by the insertion of dopant ions in the zirconia support framework.•The advantage of preparation of initial ZrO2 support in presence of dopant precursors is demonstrated.

Selected Pt/WO3-ZrO2 catalysts, promoted by Al, Si and Fe metal ions and isomorphously substituted into the zirconia framework, were studied and compared with their undoped equivalents as catalysts for C7 isomerization. They were characterized by XRD, UV–vis and TPD-TPR techniques. A mechanism was proposed for the positive dopant effect on the catalyst activity.

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