Hydroisomerization of n-decane in the presence of sulfur: Effect of metal–acid balance and metal location Original Research Article

Isomerization of n-decane in the presence of 1000 ppm H2S was studied on bifunctional Pt-MAPSO-31 catalysts. Sulfur suppresses the catalyst metal function, thereby changing the metal–acid balance which is required for high performance. Methods for controlling the catalyst metal–acid balance by changing the ratio between metal and acid functions are demonstrated. Catalysts with high isomerization selectivity in the presence of sulfur should have a strong metal function. Close proximity of metal and acid sites, as well as highly dispersed metal located on the binder, gives a catalyst with an isomerization selectivity of about 90%. This is similar to selectivity of the same catalyst in the absence of sulfur.