Effect of acidity and porosity changes of dealuminated mordenites on n-hexane isomerization

A series of dealuminated mordenite samples was prepared and tested for their activity in n  -hexane hydroisomerization reaction. The samples were thoroughly characterized by XRD, microcalorimetry, and adsorption measurement to obtain surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution. Both strong acidity (ΔHNH3>100 kJ/mol) and micropore volume (0–20 Å) of the mordenite were increased during the initial stage of dealumination. Further dealumination caused very little or negligible improvement in the catalytic properties. Among the various catalysts prepared, the catalyst dealuminated by steaming at 673 K, followed by acid leaching with 2N HNO3 (S2-HM) exhibited highest amount of strong acidity and isomer yields in n-hexane conversion. The selectivity to di-branched isomers was continuously increased with dealumination.

Graphical abstractThe selectivity to di-branched products in n-hexane isomerization on mordenites increased with the progress of dealumination. However, the isomer yield reached a maximum upon mild dealuminaiton. The increase in strong acidity and microporosity were responsible for enhanced isomer yields. The selectivity to di-branched products related to the microporosity of the mordenite. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide