Isomerization of Xylenes in the Presence of Pt-Containing Catalysts Based on Halloysite Aluminosilicate Nanotubes

Pt-containing catalysts based on halloysite aluminosilicate nanotubes and ZSM-5 zeolite were synthesized. The structure of the materials was confirmed by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption and by transmission electron microscopy. The activity and selectivity of the synthesized catalysts based on micromesoporous supports in isomerization of the xylene reforming fraction was studied on a flow-through laboratory installation with a fixed catalyst bed in the temperature interval 360–440°С at elevated hydrogen pressure. The influence exerted by the textural characteristics of the support and acidity of the materials on the catalyst activity in isomerization of o- and m-xylenes and of ethylbenzene with the aim of obtaining p-xylene was studied.