Hydroisomerization of n-Hexadecane over Pt/SAPO-11 and Pt/SAPO-41 Molecular Sieves Differing in Crystal Morphology and Size

A series of SAPO-11 and SAPO-41 molecular sieve samples were synthesized using two different aluminum sources. The physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized, and their catalytic performance was tested in hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane. The effects of the aluminum source on the morphology and size of SAPO-11 and SAPO-41 crystals were identified. Specifically, the SAPO-11 and SAPO-41 samples synthesized using aluminum isopropoxide were found to have a higher specific surface area and a higher mesopore volume than their counterparts prepared with boehmite as an aluminum source. It is further shown that SAPO-11 and SAPO-41 samples with similar acidity and similar porosity characteristics exhibit comparable catalytic performance in hydroisomerization of higher n-paraffins.