Upgrading n-Heptane via Catalytic Hydroisomerisation

Abstract

An atmospheric pressure upgrading of n-heptane was carried out in a temperature range of 300 to 450^oC over an in situ developed molybdenum carbide phase supported over sulphated zirconia. Although a decreased in surface area with increased in pore volume were observed after carburization, the physicochemical data showed no noticeable alteration to the zirconia structure or the sulphate species. The catalyst formed a good system with high selectivity to iso-heptanes under either low temperature or high space velocity. It therefore has promising features that could offer mitigation to some of the challenges faced by the petroleum refineries with noble metals promoted zeolites.

Keywords: n-heptane, hydroisomerisation, carbide catalyst, stability, sulphated zirconia.