Hydroconversion of heptane over a Colombian montmorillonite modified with mixed pillars of Al–Zr and Al–Si

A Colombian montmorillonite was successfully pillared with solutions of Al, Al–Zr, Zr and Al–Si polyhydroxocations to obtain active catalysts for the hydroconversion of n-heptane. The catalysts were characterised by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption and heptane hydroconversion tests. The catalysts modified by mixed pillaring (Al–Zr and Al–Si) showed a favourable effect on the activity, selectivity and stability, leading to an increase in heptane isomer products.