Isomerization of Alkanes Over Pt-Sulphated Zirconia Supported on SBA-15

ZrO2 (10, 20 and 30 wt%) was supported on SBA-15 by precipitation of zirconium oxychloride, and sulphated with H2SO4. The samples were loaded with 0.5 wt% Pt by impregnation with chloroplatinic acid. The Pt-loaded catalysts were characterized and evaluated in the isomerization of n-pentane, n-hexane and a commercial light naphtha sample. A bulk sample of SO4-ZrO2 was also prepared, sulphated and loaded with Pt for comparison purposes. The supported catalysts, even at the lowest loading of 10 wt% ZrO2, were more active than unsupported SO4-ZrO2. The catalyst containing 30 wt% ZrO2 was the most active for the isomerization of light naphtha; the highest octane benefit was obtained over this catalyst at a lower temperature (200 degrees C) compared to the others.