The role of sulfur in modification of active sites of reforming catalysts

Abstract

The features of the interaction of hydrogen sulfide with the surface of supports (alumina and silica) and catalysts (Pt/SiO₂, Pt/Al₂O₃, Re/Al₂O₃, and Pt–Re/Al₂O₃) have been studied. It has been found that the adsorption of sulfur on the supports is completely reversible. The amount of irreversibly adsorbed sulfur (S_irrev) and S_irrev/metal ratios in the catalysts after treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere at 500°C have been determined. Sulfurization reduces the dispersion of platinum to 5% and increases the amount of ionic platinum on the catalyst surface. Regarding the dehydrocyclization reaction of n-heptane, the optimal amount of sulfur required for sulfurization of the catalyst with the composition 0.25% Pt 0.3% Re/γ-Al₂O₃ (0.3% Zr) is 0.072 wt %.