(582cc) Catalytic Performance and Regeneration of Gallium and Platinum Promoted ZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts in Ethane Aromatization

Ethane is separated from shale gas to minimize condensation in natural gas pipeline. Direct non-oxidative conversion of ethane to aromatics has become an effective way of upgrading shale gas. Shape selective zeolite catalysts are often used for aromatization. Although the coking issue of the catalysts in ethane aromatization has been widely noticed, the performance of regenerated gallium and platinum contained catalysts needs to be further investigated. The objective of this study is to elucidate coking mechanism over metal-promoted zeolite and investigate feasibility of regenerating deactivated catalysts for commercial viability. In this study, four catalysts will be analyzed: 3 wt% Mo/HZSM-5; 3 wt% Ga/HZSM-5, 0.5 wt% Pt/HZSM-5 and 2.5 wt% Ga-0.5 wt% Pt/HZSM-5. The metal fraction was calculated based on elemental content. For each aromatization reaction, 45 minutes of reaction will be performed for each catalyst with a total flow rate of 50 cm³/min. To regenerate the catalysts used for ethane aromatization, diluted air (10 vol% of O₂) will be used to oxidized the coke deposit on the catalyst under 500 degree Celsius. The regeneration time is set to be 60 minutes. Eight cycles of reaction and regeneration will be performed in a micro-reactor for each catalyst; and the reactivity will be evaluated and compared by mass spectrometry.