Isomerization of n-Hexane in the Presence of Titanium Dioxide-Supported Catalysts

Abstract

The catalytic properties of titanium dioxide-supported catalysts in n-hexane isomerization reactions have been studied. The hexane isomerization activity was found to increase in the series Fe/TiO₂ < Ca/TiO₂ < Ni/TiO₂. The most active Ni/TiO₂ catalyst is effective in two temperature ranges: moderate temperatures (150-300°C) for a bond shift mechanism and high temperature (350-400°C) for a cyclic mechanism with intermediate five-membered ring information along with a bond shift mechanism. The formation of dispersed nickel leading to a hydride phase during the reductive activation of Ni/TiO₂ was proposed. Ionic hydrogen and nickel facilitate enhanced Ni/TiO₂ catalyst activity.