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Comparison of platinum and platinum-iridium catalysts for heptane reforming at different pressures

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)

The role of iridium in an alumina-supported platinum-iridium bimetallic catalyst was studied by examining the activity/selectivity behavior of platinum, iridium, and platinum-iridium catalysts using n-heptane reforming as a test reaction at 135 and 790 kPa. The iridium component imparted superior dehydrocyclization activity and deactivation resistance to the bimetallic relative to platinum. There appeared to be considerable synergism between platinum and iridium which resulted in suppression of surface coke formation. However, the bimetallic, even when presulfided, exhibited an undesirable higher hydrogenolysis activity, particularly at higher pressure. Comparison of results for the bimetallic catalyst and a mechanical mixture of platinum and iridium catalysts provided indirect evidence for the existence of bimetallic clusters on the platinum-iridium catalyst. This study also demonstrated that catalyst comparisons made near atmospheric pressure are not good indicators of relative performance at commercial conditions.

Research Organization:
Clemson Univ., SC
OSTI ID:
6601151
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 77:1; ISSN JCTLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English