Influence of gallium on the properties of Pt–Re/Al2O3 naphtha reforming catalysts Original Research Article

The influence of gallium on the properties of Pt–Re/Al2O3 catalysts used in naphtha reforming was studied. The catalysts were prepared by the coimpregnation method. It was found that the addition of gallium to the Pt–Re/Al2O3 catalyst diminishes its acidity (Brønsted and Lewis). It also produces an inhibition of the metal function, i.e. dehydrogenation and hydrogenolysis activity. Activity tests for n-C5 isomerization showed that gallium addition decreases the total activity of the Pt–Re catalyst but increases its selectivity to i-C5 isomers. The selectivity to low value light gases (C1–C3) is particularly decreased. Catalytic tests for n-C7 reforming showed that addition of gallium increases both catalyst stability and selectivity to aromatics, and decreases the production of light gases.