Propane aromatization on hierarchical Ga/HZSM-5 catalysts

Gallium containing ZSM-5 zeolites were prepared by ion exchange and mechanical mixture from the parent ZSM-5 and two desilicated zeolites to be tested in propane aromatization. The alkaline treatment was made by sodium hydroxide, with or without tetrabutylammonium hydroxide. The catalysts prepared from desilicated zeolites are less active in propane aromatization and cyclohexane transformation and less selective into aromatics than those prepared from the parent zeolite. The desilication did not affect the acid properties, especially the strength of acid sites as seen by CO adsorption at 77 K and n-hexane cracking.