Aromatization of Propane over Zn-Containing Zeolites with a Micro-Mesoporous Structure

The conversion of propane into aromatic hydrocarbons over zinc-containing MFI zeolites with a micro-mesoporous structure was studied. The effect of a grade of carbon black used as the second structure-forming component in the synthesis of zinc aluminosilicates on their physicochemical properties, catalytic activity, and stability in the course of propane aromatization was investigated. The acid characteristics of the catalysts were studied using the thermal desorption of ammonia. The morphology and sizes of the crystals of synthesized zinc aluminosilicates were determined by scanning electron microscopy. The nature and concentration of coke deposits formed on the surface of zinc aluminosilicates in the reaction of propane aromatization were determined by differential thermal analysis. It was found that the addition of carbon black to the crystallization gel in the course of synthesis resulted in the production of zinc aluminosilicates having a higher operational stability compared to that of microporous Zn-containing zeolite.