MICROWAVE ELECTROMAGNETIC-FIELD EFFECTS ON REFORMING CATALYSTS .1. HIGHER SELECTIVITY IN 2-METHYLPENTANE ISOMERIZATION ON ALUMINA-SUPPORTEDPT CATALYSTS

The effects of microwave irradiation of an alumina-supported 0.2 wt.% platinum catalyst are studied. In the case of the isomerization of hex anes, the selectivity in isomers is increased (by a factor 1.3 to 2) w hen the thermal treatment of the catalyst and/or the reaction are perf ormed under the electromagnetic field. rhe isomer selectivity remains high even when such catalysts are subsequently tested under classical heating conditions. These permanent and profitable effects of the micr owaves could be interpreted in terms of modifications of the geometric and/or electronic properties of the platinum particles. It is pointed out that the microwave irradiation could be a new and promising way f or activating catalysts. (C) 1994 Academic Press Inc.