Platinum-promoted fibrous silica Y zeolite with enhanced mass transfer as a highly selective catalyst for n-dodecane hydroisomerization

A fibrous silica zeolite Y (HY@KCC-1) catalyst with a high surface area of 568 m²/g and unique core-shell morphology was successfully synthesized via a modified KCC-1 synthesis method. Characterization of the catalysts was achieved with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning microscope (FESEM), N₂ adsorption/desorption, and 2,6-dimethylpyridine adsorbed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Pt/HY@KCC-1 has displayed complete n-dodecane conversion coupled with an incredibly enhanced isomer yield of 72% at 350°C, nearly two-fold higher than that of unmodified Pt/HY catalyst. Remarkably, Pt/HY@KCC-1 had an internal effectiveness factor (η) of unity and negligible internal diffusion limitation, thus suggesting its potential application in hydroisomerization of higher hydrocarbons for enhancing fuel properties.