ACID SITES IN SULFATED AND METAL-PROMOTED ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE CATALYSTS

Unpromoted sulfated zirconia (SZ) and sulfated zirconia that was promo ted with iron and manganese ions (FMSZ) have been tested as catalysts for the isomerization of n-butane to isobutane. FMSZ is the superior c atalyst; its activity at 60 degrees C is similar to that of SZ at 180 degrees C. Both catalysts deactivate rapidly. FTIR analysis of adsorbe d CO and acetonitrile reveals the presence of Lewis and Bronsted sites in both catalysts. Acetonitrile is strongly adsorbed on FMSZ. Subsequ ent desorption is destructive; CO2, SO2, and O-2 are formed, while tem perature-programmed oxidation shows that no carbon-containing products are left on the surface. CO-FTIR reveals equal acidity, within experi mental error, for the Lewis sites on SZ and FMSZ. Changes in proton NM R and FTIR parameters caused by adsorption of acetonitrile show that t he acid strength of the Bronsted sites of SZ and FMSZ is similar to th at of the lower OH-frequency protons in HY, but weaker than that of th e protons in HZSM-5. The results indicate that the remarkable activity of SZ and FMSZ is not caused by exceptionally strong acid sites, but by stabilization of the transition state complex at the surface. (C) 1 995 Academic Press, Inc.