Supported Molybdenum Carbide as n-Hexane Upgrading Catalyst

Abstract

Catalytic upgrading of n-hexane to corresponding isomers was successfully achieved at 1 atm using molybdenum carbide supported sulphated zirconia as hydroisomerisation catalyst. The characterization data generally indicated the formation of the carbide phase from molybdenum oxide precursor to proceeds stepwise at high temperatures, with increase in crystallinity after carburization. There was also limited destruction to the structural composition of the sulphated zirconia support. Production of isomerised hexanes increased with increase in space velocity but decreased significantly with increase in either hydroisomerisation temperature or contact time. Overall, the catalyst shows good upgrading properties towards n-hexane, suggesting its potentials as gasoline upgrading catalyst.

Keywords: Molybdenum carbide, sulphated zirconia, n-hexane, upgrading, potentials.