Abstract:
From previous studies, Sn-promoted Pt/KL prepared by vapor-phase co-impregnation exhibited high stability and selectivity to C8-aromatics for n-octane aromatization. Although the Pt/KL has many benefits, one of the serious drawbacks is its sensitivity to sulfur poisoning. Based on previous investigations, the addition of rare earth elements (RE; e.g. Tm, Ce, and Dy) into Pt/KL could improve sulfur tolerance of the catalysts. In this work, the sulfur resistance of PtSn/KL and RE-promoted PtSn/KL has been studied. PtSnRE/KL catalysts with Pt:Sn:RE ratio of 1:1:0.15 were prepared by sequential RE, then co-PtSn impregnation. The catalysts were characterized by TPR, TPO, H₂ chemisorption, and TEM. The reaction was carried out at 500°C and atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the activity and selectivity obtained with sulfur-containing feed was lower than those obtained with clean feed. In the presence of sulfur, PtSnRE/KL demonstrated higher conversion than Pt/KL and PtSn/KL, while the selectivity was not significantly improved. TPR profiles show the rupture of Pt-Sn alloy after exposing to sulfur. Even though TEM image showed higher distributed metal clusters on PtSn/KL and PtSnRE/KL, they exhibited much lower H₂ chemisorption which could be because Sn partially covered the platinum surface or modified electronic property resulted in low H₂ adsorption.
