Development of zeolite-containing reforming catalysts

Copper-bearing zeolite catalysts are studied to develop a catalyst free of noble metals for obtaining high-octane components of motor fuels. The activity of the catalysts prepared on the basis of ZHM, ZHS-III-895, ZHS-III-889, and ZSM-5 zeolites with the different contents of copper is tested in the conversion of a model hydrocarbon (n-hexane). It is found that the reactions of isomerization and aromatization of n-hexane can lead to the formation of high-octane hydrocarbons in nonstandard conditions of conversion of n-alkanes: without feeding a hydrogen-bearing gas into the reaction medium at atmospheric pressure on copper-bearing high-silica zeolites, while an industrial process involving platinum catalysts is carried out under increased hydrogen pressure. The use of the recommended conditions for the conversion of hydrocarbons should lead to a reduction in the cost of final products.