Abstract: Four Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst samples were prepared by mechanical pressing, introducing binder of aluminum oxide, introducing binder of silicon oxide, and binderless molding, respectively. The samples were characterized by N₂ physical adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption, pyridine Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and were evaluated by aromatization of mixed C₄ hydrocarbons. The results indicated that, compared with the mechanical pressed catalyst and the shaped catalyst samples with binders, the binderless Zn/ZSM-5 sample possessed higher specific surface area, accommodated more Zn species inside the zeolite crystals, and showed better catalytic performance in the aromatization of mixed C₄ hydrocarbons.

Key words: binderless, zinc, ZSM-5 zeolite, supported catalyst, mixed hydrocarbons, aromatization