Role of Hydrogen in n-Hexane Hydroisomerisation as a Model Reaction for Gasoline Quality Valorization

Abstract

Consequent to the current global environmental legislations that enforced the phase-out of dangerous fuel additives with associated pollution problems, other research alternatives for improving fuels quality are investigated. Previously, lead and oxygenates have posed emission dangers that accounted for their complete phase-out in many regions. The emergence of hydroisomerisation as an option presents an opportunity for improving gasoline octane features while eliminating the environmental dangers. We prepared and characterized a noble and cheap catalyst based on β-Mo2C/sulfated zirconia that completely upgraded n-hexane into mono- and di-branched isomers at milder reaction conditions (1 atm, 400oC). The catalyst was 100% selective to n-hexanes at high hydrogen flow rates and recyclable and stable. This way, cheap opportunity for gasoline feed valorization via the hydroisomerisation process became possible.