A Comparative Study of Aromatization Catalysts: The Advantage of Hybrid Oxy/Carbides and Platinum-Catalysts Based on Carbon Gels

Abstract

This manuscript is focused on the relationship between sol-gel synthesis processes and the development of new active phases with fitted morphology, porosity and surface chemistry. The influence of the above parameters on the catalytic performance of the prepared materials for the aromatization of n-hexane to benzene is also evaluated. Different series of catalysts were prepared, either using noble metals (i.e., Pt) or metal oxides (i.e., Mo, W), as active phases. In both cases, the catalytic performance and stability of classical aromatization catalysts was significantly improved. Interesting one-pot carboreduction process of the metal oxide during carbonization is suggested as a real alternative for the preparation of high-performance aromatization catalysts, leading to the formation of less acidic and non-stoichiometric oxides and carbides.