Studies on the Catalytic Activity of Sulfated Zirconia Promoted with Cerium Oxide

Pure zirconia, sulfated zirconia and sulfated zirconia modified with 2, 3, 5 and 10 wt. % of cerium oxide were synthesized by sol-gel method. Pt phase was impregnated on the supports using the incipient wet technique. Sulfated zirconium oxide showed tetragonal phase only. Addition of cerium to sulfated zirconia did not modify the tetragonal phase but produced a marked effect on the surface area. Low cerium content may greatly increase the surface area; however, too high cerium content (10 wt.%) may decrease the surface area. Pore size had influence on the catalytic activity and ZrO2 acidity was favored by the sulfate ion incorporation. All catalysts having Bronsted and Lewis acid sites were active in the n-hexane isomerization. The highest n-hexane conversion (40%) and selectivity towards DMB (26%), 2-methyl pentane (61%) and 3-methyl pentane (13%) were reached over the catalyst with 10 wt. % cerium oxide. In addition, sulfated zirconium oxide presented high selectivity of light products (< C-6), which indicated that the addition of this doping agent (CeO2) made the catalysts more selective toward the desired reaction products.