Reactions of 1-octene over H-ZSM-5: a model system for fluidised catalytic cracking

Fluidised catalytic cracking reactions using H-ZSM-5 zeolite are an important source of high-value hydrocarbons, being able to convert gasoline-range hydrocarbons to light olefins such as ethene and propene. As part of an iCASE studentship funded by Johnson Matthey plc, we have studied the effect of temperature and de-alumination on the cracking of a model compound by H-ZSM-5 using microreactor studies. These show striking differences in the nature of the products and the rate of deactivation of the catalyst as the conditions are varied. This prompted an INS study (RB2010486) using MAPS. Unfortunately the resolution of MAPS in the 0-2000 cm-1 region is insufficient to allow definitive assignments of the species present. TOSCA excels in this region and we request time to measure the same samples to enable better understanding of the chemistry in this commercially important reaction.