Pillarization in concentrated media with solid Al and Al-Zr polymers to obtain acid catalysts

Abstract A bentonite clay mineral was pillared with solid Al and Al-Zr polymers in molar ratios of 97:3 to 90:10. We used ultrasonication for Al intercalation in a highly concentrated suspension. The solids obtained were characterized by chemical analysis (X-ray fluorescence, XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), textural analysis (N2 physisorption), IR spectroscopy with NH3 as the probe molecule, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD-NH3). The catalytic performance was evaluated by the decane hydroconversion reaction. The various characterizations confirm the success of bentonite pillarization in concentrated media with mixed solid Al-Zr pillars and reveal the benefit of ultrasonication during synthesis on the physicochemical properties of the solid. Additionally, a linear relationship between the acidic properties of the pillared clays (PILCs) and their catalytic activity in the hydroconversion reaction of the alkane was verified.