Acid-base properties of some zeolites and their activity in the decomposition of n-hexane

Since zeolites are typical acid-base catalysts, their acid-base properties are of great importance in investigating the catalytic decomposition of hydrocarbons. Three methods - titration temperature-programmed desorption, and characterization by test reaction - are employed to measure acid-base properties. In this study, n-hexane was used as a model hydrocarbon and its decomposition over HY, HCeY, HSmY, and HCuY zeolites was investigated. Depending on the metal exchanged, n-hexane conversion and product distribution were observed to vary in the higher conversion region. The relation between product distribution and the acid-base properties of the zeolites are discussed.