Benzene alkylation with propane over Mo modified HZSM-5

Benzene alkylation with propane has been studied over HZSM-5 loading 3.1-15.4 wt% Mo in continuous-flow microreactor under 350 degrees C and atmospheric pressure with the highest activity obtained at 6.7 wt% Mo loading. C7-9 aromatics were obtained as main products while the total amount of benzene rings kept unchanged. i-Propylbenzene and n-propylbenzene are formed primarily, while toluene, ethylbenzene, and ethyl-toluene are formed secondly from the propylbenzenes. Catalytic performance of 6.7 wt% Mo/HZSM-5(38) partially poisoned by NH3 shows that the strong acid sites play a crucial role in the alkylation. Low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of HZSM-5 in the Mo modified catalysts gives high propane conversion. Two hydrothermal treatment methods were applied to the 6.7 wt% Mo/HZSM-5(38) catalyst, caused decrease of propane conversion but result in different product distribution. A possible reaction mechanism concerning bifunctional active centers resulted from combination of loaded Mo species and strong acid centers on HZSM-5 is proposed.