The catalytic performance of Mo-impregnated HZSM-5 zeolite in CH4 aromatization: Strong influence of Mo loading and pretreatment conditions

The catalytic activity and stability of Mo/HZSM-5 solid with Mo loading higher than 10 wt% in methane aromatization are significantly improved after pretreatment with a CH4/Ar/He (9:1:10, v/v) gas mixture. A 16 wt % Mo loading is found to provide the best catalytic performance for the aromatization of methane and better than previously reported in the literature (similar reaction conditions) over Mo-impregnated HZSM-5zeolites. After 30 h of continuous reaction at 700 degrees C and using a space velocity of 1500 ml g(-1) h(-1), the 16 wt% Mo-based catalyst provides an aromatic yield of 7.8% and a CH4 conversion of 9.5%.