Effects of oxidation–reduction treatments of Pt/Al2O3 on catalytic activity and selectivity for hexane reforming

Abstract

Consecutive oxidation–reduction cycles involving successive oxidation treatments of 0.3 % Pt/ Al₂O₃ at various temperatures, each followed by a reduction treatment in hydrogen to produce active catalyst, lead to changes in catalytic activity for the reactions of n-hexane with hydrogen. Decreased activity is paralleled by changes in selectivity brought about by the increased tendency of large platinum particles towards coking. Changes in selectivity are not observed where an increase in activity occurs. Results show that the reforming reactions of n-hexane can be used to gain information about the state of metal particles following sintering/redispersion of Pt on alumina.