Improved Stabilization of Sulfated Zirconia by Molybdenum: Synergy of Metal Sites and Acid Sites in the n-Hexane Hydro-Isomerization

The article delves into the enhanced stabilization of sulfated zirconia by molybdenum for the hydro-isomerization of n-hexane, a crucial process in the refining industry. The study focuses on the synergy between metal sites and acid sites, which is vital for optimizing gasoline composition and reducing emissions. The authors employed the sol–gel method coupled with supercritical drying to prepare the catalysts and investigated the effects of calcination temperature on their structure and performance. The results show that molybdenum significantly improves the catalyst's activity and stability, with the tetrahedral geometry of molybdenum playing a crucial role in boosting catalytic performance. The study also highlights the importance of low calcination temperatures in preserving the catalyst's activity and selectivity. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the development of more efficient and stable catalysts for n-hexane hydro-isomerization, contributing to the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient fuels.