Nb-modified ZSM-48 as efficient catalysts for hexadecane hydroisomerization

ZSM-48 shows excellent performance in shape selective catalysis, especially in hydroisomerization reaction. However, adjusting the acidity of ZSM-48 and improving the synergy of acidic and metal sites are still major challenges in the application of ZSM-48 in hydroisomerization reaction. The dispersing Nb species on support can better utilize the active Nb species and regulate support surface acidity. In this paper, we develop a new route to regulate ZSM-48 surface acidity through Nb modified. The different Nb modified ZSM-48 is prepared under mild conditions and is characterized by physico-chemical characterization techniques such as XRD, N₂ physisorption, NH₃-TPD, SEM, Py-IR. Owing to its unique acidity, Nb-modified Pt/ZSM-48 exhibits better performance on the hexadecane hydroisomerization compared with Pt/ZSM-48. The selectivity of i-C₁₆ can reach 87 wt% over Pt/20Nb/ZSM-48. The addition of Nb not only improves i-C₁₆ selectivity but also enhances the stability of the catalyst. Our results provide a facile strategy to adjust the surface acidity of ZSM-48 as solid acids for catalytic applications.