Sol-gel synthesis and catalytic properties of sulfated zirconia catalysts
- Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
Sulfated zirconia catalysts were prepared using a sol-gel method with zirconium n-propoxide as the alkoxide precursor and a water/alkoxide ratio of 40. The strength of the sulfuric acid solution used to activate the zirconia was found to be an important variable in the synthesis of the superacid catalyst. A maximum both in the BET surface area and in the activity observed in the isomerization of n-butane was observed when 0.5 N H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} was used. Rehydration in air following calcination at 600 C requires that excess moisture be removed prior to reaction. The deactivation rate of the sample could be reduced by introducing H{sub 2} into the feed. A TGA-mass spectroscopy study of the deactivated catalysts shows two SO{sub 2} desorption maxima at 600 and 900 C. The SO{sub 2} desorption maximum at 600 C is coincident with a CO{sub 2} maximum at the same temperature. These results are interpreted in terms of an organo-sulfur complex on the surface of the deactivated catalyst.
- OSTI ID:
- 376245
- Journal Information:
- Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 35; ISSN IECRED; ISSN 0888-5885
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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