Conversion of ethane into benzene on Re/ZSM-5

The reaction of ethane on pure and Re-containing ZSM-5 has been investigated at 773 - 973 K. Reaction products were analyzed using gas chromatography. ZSM-5 with Si/Al = 30 exhibited relatively high activity towards dehydrogenation, hydrogenolysis and aromatization of ethane above 773 K, whereas ZSM-5 with Si/Al = 280 showed very low activity. Deposition of 2% Re enhanced the conversion of ethane, the selectivity and the yield of benzene production even on the most effective ZSM-5. Further increase in the Re content did not lead to the improvement of the catalyst. The role of the Re is very likely the activation of ethane and the enhanced production of ethylene. ZSM-5 samples were found to be very active in the aromatization of ethylene, which was only slightly influenced by Re.