Ni/ZSM‐23 Catalysts: Effect of Impregnating Solvent on the Hydroisomerization of n‐Hexadecane

Abstract Bifunctional catalysts are widely used in the hydroisomerization of long‐chain n ‐alkanes, which are of great significance in the production of high value‐added chemicals. Herein, the Ni/ZSM‐23‐W and Ni/ZSM‐23‐EG catalysts were prepared using water and ethylene glycol, respectively. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, NH 3 ‐TPD, Py–IR, H 2 ‐TPR, H 2 ‐TPD, ICP–OES, and XPS, and their catalytic performance was evaluated by conducting the hydroisomerization of n ‐hexadecane as a model reaction. It was revealed that the polarity of the impregnating solvent has a significant impact on the dispersion of Ni nanoparticles. When employing ethylene glycol as a solvent, a strong interaction occurred between NiO x and ZSM‐23 in the Ni/ZSM‐23‐EG catalyst, which facilitated the formation of small‐sized and well‐dispersed Ni nanoparticles. Consequently, the Ni/ZSM‐23‐EG catalyst demonstrated a strong hydrogenation capacity, yielding an impressive 72.9% of iso ‐hexadecanes yield.