Transformation of Isobutyl Alcohol to Aromatics over Zeolite-Based Catalysts

One-step transformation of isobutyl alcohol to aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylene) has been studied in a gas phase, fixed-bed reactor system over several purely acidic zeolites and zeolite-supported metal catalysts. ZSM-5 zeolites give higher aromatics yields (∼42 wt %) among the evaluated zeolites, and the Si/Al ratios (Si/Al = 13–43) of ZSM-5 slightly influence their catalytic performances. During the transformation of isobutyl alcohol, large amounts of short alkanes (mainly propane and butane isomers) are also generated on the acidic ZSM-5. To improve the conversion to aromatics, several metal species (Zn, Ga, Mo, La, Ni, Ag, and Pt) are supported on the ZSM-5. The enhancements in aromatics yields (∼60 wt %) are observed only on the Zn/ZSM-5 catalysts. The incorporation of Zn species preferentially decreases the strong-strength Brønsted acidity and, thus, suppresses the cracking to C 3 fragments. Moreover, mainly the Zn species at the exchange sites facilitate the recombinative desorption of H 2 and, hence, enhance the reactions toward aromatics. Through these effects, Zn/ZSM-5 catalysts exhibit the remarkably promoted formation of toluene and xylene and inhibit the generation of undesired alkanes products.