The Production of LPG Using Low-octane Model-feed (n-Hexane) on Modified Unloaded and Pt-loaded MFI Zeolite Catalysts

Nowadays, many developing countries, particularly those non–oil producing ones, suffer from critical shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that consists of various mixtures of propane plus butanes (C3H8 + C4H10). In the present communication, n-hexane was used as an n-paraffinic model hydrocarbon to be hydrocracked for LPG production that can be used both as a fuel in domestic heating appliances and also as high-octane gaseous motor fuels. Catalysts containing 0.15%Pt, 0.30%Pt, or 0.60%Pt loaded on H-MFI zeolite, aluminum-deficient MFI (AD-MFI), or hydrofluorinated MFI zeolite (F-MFI) were investigated. Also, the three unloaded modified zeolites were compared as catalysts for n-hexane hydroconversion, whereby the F-MFI catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity by virtue of acquiring higher acid sites density and strength. The Pt/F-MFI catalysts also enjoy the highest activities by acquiring the highest acid sites density and strength as well as the highest Pt dispersion.