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Previous work on the hydrocracking and hydroisomerization of alkanes over metal-impregnated anion-modified zirconium oxides (AZOs) is extended to long-chain alkanes, from n-heptane to high molecular weight polyolefins, using ZrO2 modified by anion-derived groups such as SO4 and WO3 and promoted with hydrogenation metals such as Pt or Ni. Depending on reaction temperature and time, high yields of C5−C12 isoalkanes or a mixture of gases with high selectivities to isobutane and isopentane can be produced. The products do not contain olefins, aromatics, or alkanes of carbon number higher than the feed. The iso/normal ratios of the alkane products obtained are significantly higher than those predicted by isomerization equilibria at the reaction conditions. It appears that higher (C7+) alkane hydrocracking over metal-promoted AZOs may not proceed via the conventional bifunctional mechanism involving initial dehydrogenation to an olefinic intermediate. The AZOs did not sinter or agglomerate during the hydrocracking reactions as indicated by particle size measurements. AZOs containing WO3 are more stable than those containing SO4, retaining their anionic groups in reactions at severe reducing conditions 300+ °C, 500−1200 psig (cold) H2. XANES analysis of the Pt/ZrO2/WO3 catalyst indicated that both Pt and W maintained their zerovalent (Pt0) and hexavalent (W6+) states, respectively, during alkane hydrocracking as well as during recalcination in air.
Venkatesh et al. (Mon,) studied this question.