Preparation of Pt/CeL reforming catalyst and its performance in the aromatization of naphtha

To solve the problems of chlorine loss and equipment corrosion caused by the conventional alumina-type reforming catalyst, zeolite L was modified with Ce³⁺ by ion exchange method and with Ce³⁺-modified L (CeL) as the support, the Pt/CeL reforming catalyst without any chlorine was prepared by impregnation method. The CeL support and Pt/CeL catalyst were characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption-desorption, NH₃-TPD and Py-FTIR; the catalytic performance of Pt/CeL in aromatization was investigated in a continuous-flow fixed-bed micro-reactor, with an industrial hydrofining naphtha containing 0.50 μg/mL sulfur as the feedstock. The results indicate that the modification with Ce³⁺ by ion exchange has little influence on framework structure of zeolite L; however, it can raise the acid content and acid strength of the CeL support and then remarkably enhance the performance of the Pt/CeL reforming catalyst in aromatization. The activity and selectivity of the Pt/CeL catalyst are comparable to those of the commercial alumina-type reforming catalysts, suggesting that proper acidity can facilitate the aromatization reaction.