Aromatization of n-butane over Ni-ZSM-5 and Cu-ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts prepared by using Ni and Cu impregnated silica, fiber

The reaction of n-butane aromatization was carried out over Ni-ZSM-5 and Cu-ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts prepared by using Ni and Cu impregnated silica fiber during the process of ZSM-5 zeolite synthesis. The catalysts prepared were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption and X-ray fluorescency. The acidic properties of the catalysts were investigated by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia using a mass spectrometer equipped with a QTMD detector. The effect of catalyst pretreatment, reaction temperature, and time on stream on the reaction of n-butane to aromatic hydrocarbons were investigated. The modification of ZSM-5 by Ni and Cu increased the selectivity to aromatic hydrocarbons. The state of Ni and Cu and their stabilization in the ZSM-5 structure was highly influenced by the mode of catalyst pretreatments.