Aluminum oxide carrier for a catalyst for low-temperature isomerization of hydrocarbons

Objectives. Determine the necessary conditions for obtaining a granulated η-Al₂O₃ carrier, investigate its structural and strength properties, and evaluate its activity for the model n-butane isomerization reaction.

Methods. Samples containing bayerite structure aluminum trihydroxide were synthesized by precipitation from aqueous solutions of aluminum nitrate with ammonia under isothermal conditions at a constant pH value. The samples of the granulated carrier were obtained using an extrusion method when the composition of molding pastes was varied by tuning the ratio of bayerite- and η-Al₂O₃ -containing components and introducing polyvinyl alcohol.

Results. The influence of the preparation conditions on the structural and strength properties of the active Al₂O₃ granules is evaluated. Samples of the aluminum oxide carrier were tested for a model reaction of low-temperature isomerization of n-butane, demonstrating a sufficiently high selectivity and reasonable prospects for use as catalysts for low-temperature isomerization of hydrocarbons.

Conclusions. Increasing the content of the polyvinyl alcohol in the molding paste from 0.4 to 1.8 wt % is accompanied by an increase in the predominant sizes of the mesopores in the range of 10–50 nm and pores in the range of 50–80 nm, explaining the high values of all recorded parameters for the process of isomerization of n-butane.

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