An Investigation on Isobutane Aromatization Over an H-ZSM-5 Catalyst

Abstract

The H-ZSM-5(SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 35) catalyst was synthesized hydrothermally using commercial waterglass as the silica source and it was characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, and NH₃-TPD techniques. Isobutane aromatization over the prepared catalyst was studied and the results were compared with those of propane in a fixed-bed reactor. Despite higher conversion of isobutane, the aromatics selectivity was higher for propane with the former exhibited more rapid catalyst deactivation. Furthermore, isobutane aromatization was carried out at 450–550°C. Higher temperature increased aromatics yield as well as deactivation rate.

Keywords:

• H-ZSM-5
• hydrothermal synthesis
• isobutane aromatization
• propane aromatization
• aromatics selectivity