Illuminating the impact of the proximity communication modes between redox metallic and acidic zeolite sites during hydro-conversion of n-heptane

The unique physicochemical properties of redox-acid bifunctional zeolites make them an essential tool in the petrochemical industry, especially in the hydro-conversion of linear alkanes to deliver high-octane fuels. The current research activities in this domain are primarily tailored towards evaluating the intimacy/proximity criteria among two catalytically active sites and minimizing the loading of noble metals (e.g., Pd or Pt) in catalysis. However, the chemistry behind the communication mode (i.e., through-space or through-bond interaction between metallic and acid sites) has remained vastly underexplored during the hydro-conversion of n-alkanes over Pt or Pd/zeolites. To dig deeper into this uncharted territory, this work demonstrates that both through-space (cf. metals in extra-framework position in/on zeolite) and through-bond (cf. metals on the zeolite framework) bifunctionality favors the hydroisomerization step, while the later partially also promote the hydro-cracking. Their working protocol was probed by the diverse material characterization techniques that improved the understanding of the zeolite-catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Automated summary

Redox-acid bifunctional zeolites have unique physicochemical properties that make them essential in the petrochemical industry, particularly in the hydro-conversion of linear alkanes to produce high-octane fuels. Current research focuses on evaluating the communication criteria between catalytically active sites and reducing the use of noble metals in catalysis. However, the chemistry behind the interaction mode between metallic and acid sites during the hydro-conversion of n-alkanes over Pt or Pd/zeolites remains largely unexplored.