Synthesis of Ga-and Zn-H-ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts using Ga-and Zn-impregnated γ-Al₂O₃ for the transformation of n-butane to aromatic hydrocarbons

Ga-and Zn-modified ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts were synthesized by using Ga- and Zn-impregnatedγ-Al₂O₃. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescency, nitrogen adsorption and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. The effect of reaction temperatures and space velocities (WHSV) on the conversion of n-butane and selectivity to aromatics were studied by varying the reaction temperatures between 713 K and 803 K and the space velocities between 1.5 h⁻¹ and 5.5 h⁻¹. The catalytic stability test was carried out for 4.5 hours at 803 K. The prepared Ga-H-ZSM-5 and Zn-H-ZSM-5 catalysts exhibited very high n-butane conversion and selectivity to aromatic hydrocarbons.