Effect of the ZSM-23 Synthesis Method on the Properties of Pt/ZSM-23/Al2O3 Catalysts in n-Decane Conversion

Zeolites of the MTT framework type (Si/Al = 30) have been synthesized using dimethylformamide as a template and by a template-free method (Si/Al = 24). The morphology, textural, and acidic properties of the synthesized zeolites have been studied by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, N-2 adsorption, IR spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and compared with the properties of a commercial ZSM-23 zeolite (Si/Al = 24). Zeolite powders have been used to prepare ZSM-23+Al2O3 supports and then Pt-modified bifunctional catalysts, the properties of which have been tested in n-decane hydroconversion. It has been shown that the isomerization activity of the Pt/ZSM-23/Al2O3 catalysts is largely determined by the texture and morphology of the original zeolites.