Re/HZSM-5: a new catalyst for ethane aromatization with improved stability

Rhenium-impregnated HZSM-5 is found to be a promising catalyst for ethane aromatization. The Re-HZSM-5 catalyst deactivates significantly slower than well-known ethane aromatization Zn-HZSM-5 catalyst. Product selectivities for the two catalysts are similar, indicating that the shape selectivity and acid-function of the zeolite are the determining factors, and the metal function is only responsible for the activation of ethane by dehydrogenation to ethylene. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.