Deactivation features of gallium-containing zeolites in the propane aromatization process

Conversion of propane to aromatic hydrocarbons on Ga-containing zeolite catalysts prepared by various methods has been examined, and their comparative stability against deactivation has been analyzed. It has been shown that the Ga-containing zeolite catalysts exhibit high activity and stability in propane conversion to aromatic hydrocarbons. Specific features of the formation of carbon deposits on the surface of Ga-containing zeolites in the propane aromatization reaction have been revealed using the techniques of temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen, differential thermal analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and characteristic X-ray spectroscopy radiation. It has been found that the coke deposited on the catalyst has an almost homogeneous structure and is characterized by relatively low degree of polycondensation.