Influence of Solvent on the Pore Structure and Activity of Pt-Sn/Alumino- Silicate Catalysts

Kaolinite supported bimetallic Pt-Sn catalysts were prepared via impregnation technique using different sol- vents, water, ethanol and acetone. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern and temperature pro- grammed reduction techniques. Surface area and pore size distribution were determined by nitrogen physisorption tech- nique. The activities of the catalysts were measured toward n-pentane isomerization reaction in a pulse micro-catalytic re- actor operated under atmospheric pressure and at reaction temperature ranged from 200-450 o C. The results indicated that the selectivity of the Pt-Sn/kaolinite catalysts toward iso-pentane formation decreased from ethanol to acetone and then to water. Pore size distribution and diffusion coefficient of reactant and products are responsible for the high selectivity of Pt-Sn /kaolinte (ethanol) catalyst towards iso-pentane formation.