Isomerization of C5 isomers in the BZSM-5 membrane reactor packed with Pt/SZ nanocatalyst

Abstract

Isomerization of nC5/iC5 was investigated at atmospheric conditions and temperatures of 180–260 °C in a BZSM-5 membrane reactor packed with Pt-SZ/Al catalyst. Pt-SZ/Al catalyst was synthesized by precipitation method. BZSM-5 membrane was prepared by in situ nucleation and secondary growth on the outer surface of the support. The effects of reaction temperature and sweep gas flow rate were investigated. Also, a comparison between the performance of the MR and conventional reactor was performed. The prepared sulfated zirconia is nanoscale in size and has predominantly tetragonal crystalline phase. A continuous and uniform layer of BZSM-5 was formed on support surface. Feed conversion increased with increasing temperature and selectivity decreased. Increase in the sweep gas flow rate which reduce contact time between reactant and catalyst, decreased n-C5 conversion and increased selectivity toward iC5. The positive effect of membrane was observed on iC5 selectivity in the investigated temperature range, but nC5 conversion was affected by different membrane mechanisms. An increase in RON of the product (∼10%) was also observed.