Control preparation of sulfated zirconia by sol-gel process: Impact on catalytic performances during n-hexane isomerization

Sulfated zirconia catalysts were prepared by sol-gel method using CH3COOH a s in situ water source to control hydrolysis of alkoxide, and following two sulfation procedures. The samples were characterized by N-2 adsorption, XR D, chemical analysis, and the activity for isomerization of n-hexane was as sessed. It was found that sulfation procedure and the amount of acetic acid added exert a great influence on the catalysts properties. Mixture of sulf uric acid with zirconium propoxide before addition of acetic acid allows th e retention of a larger amount of sulfur after calcination and enhances cat alytic performances of sulfated zirconia. The use of CH3COOH reduces the ra te of hydrolysis, and improves considerably acidic and catalytic properties .