The Preparation of Nanosized Pd/ZSM-23 Bifunctional Catalysts for n -Hexadecane Hydroisomerization by Employing PHMB as the Growth Modifier

The development of highly effective metal–zeolite bifunctional catalysts for the hydroisomerization of n -alkanes is a paramount strategy to produce second-generation biofuels with high quality. In this study, polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) is precisely added to the initial gel to synthesize nanosized ZSM-23 zeolites (Z23- x PH). Due to orientation adsorption and steric hindrance effects of PHMB, each sample of Z23- x PH demonstrates enhanced mesoporosity in comparison with the conventional Z23-C zeolite. Furthermore, the Brønsted acid density of the Z23- x PH samples is also significantly reduced due to a reduction in the distribution of framework Al at T2–T5 sites. The corresponding Pd/23-C and Pd/Z23- x PH bifunctional catalysts with 0.5 wt% Pd loading for n -hexadecane hydroisomerization are prepared by incorporating ZSM-23 zeolites as acid supports. According to the catalytic test results, the suitable addition of PHMB can effectively promote the iso -hexadecane yield. The Pd/Z23-2PH catalyst with an n PHMB / n Si molar ratio of 0.002 demonstrates the highest maximum iso -hexadecane yield of 74.1% at an n -hexadecane conversion of 88.3%. Therefore, the employment of PHMB has provided a simple route for the development of highly effective Pd/ZSM-23 catalysts for n -alkane hydroisomerization.