Effect of the preparation of a mesoporous sulfated zirconia catalyst in n-butane isomerization activity Original Research Article

The n-butane isomerization activity of a mesoporous sulfated zirconia is shown to be a strong function of the extent of hydration on the catalyst surface. Regeneration of the catalyst at 500°C in oxygen must be followed by a water exposure step to rehydrate the catalyst and recapture its original activity. Pretreatment drying procedures are critical in determining optimal activity on the mesoporous catalyst. Pretreating at 400°C leads to the most active mesoporous sulfated zirconia catalyst for n-butane isomerization.