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Abstract

Introduction
Catalysts based on sulfated zirconia materials have been implemented into industrial low temperature alkane isomerization units [1]. Zirconia itself is inactive for this type of reaction and becomes active only through addition of sulfate. Optimization of the sulfate content has been performed empirically [2], but it is e.g. not known whether complete coverage of the zirconia surface with sulfate is desirable or whether sites on the zirconia itself play a role in the reaction scheme. The goal of this work was to develop a method to detect free zirconia surface, to quantify its extent depending on the preparation procedure, and to assess the role of such sulfate-free areas of zirconia for the interaction with alkanes.

1.P.T. Barger, Europacat VII, Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2005 Sofia, Bulgaria.
2.F.R. Chen, G. Coudurier, J.F. Joly, J. Vedrine, J. Catal. 143 (1993) 616-626.