SAPO-11 for Isomerization

SAPO-11 is the reference zeolite for n-alkane hydroisomerization — the chemistry behind catalytic dewaxing and cold-flow improvement of diesel and lubricant base oils. Its AEL framework with elliptical 10-MR channels (~4.0 × 6.5 Å) provides mild acidity and constrained pore geometry that selectively isomerises linear paraffins to branched isomers with minimal cracking.

Why SAPO-11 for Hydroisomerization

The AEL framework is uniquely suited to n-alkane isomerization:

Mild acidity: As a silicoaluminophosphate, SAPO-11’s acid sites are weaker and fewer than aluminosilicate zeolites of comparable pore size. This suppresses the cracking pathway that competes with isomerization — the key to preserving liquid yield in dewaxing.

Constrained 1D pores: The elliptical 10-MR channels (~4.0 × 6.5 Å) admit linear paraffins and mono-branched products while imposing steric constraints that favour isomerization over secondary cracking.

High isomer selectivity: Pt/SAPO-11 converts long-chain n-alkanes to mono- and di-branched iso-paraffins, improving pour point and cloud point while maximising base-oil yield — the balance commercial dewaxing processes are designed around.

How It Works

As a bifunctional catalyst, Pt/SAPO-11 operates through the classical metal/acid sequence:

1. n-Alkane dehydrogenates on Pt → n-olefin
2. n-Olefin isomerises on SAPO-11 acid sites → iso-olefin
3. Iso-olefin hydrogenates on Pt → iso-alkane

The metal function (typically 0.3-0.8 wt% Pt) is loaded on the SAPO-11 by ion exchange or impregnation.

Applications

When requesting a sample of SAPO-11 for isomerization evaluation, specify your feed range (e.g., C₁₀-C₂₀ or C₂₀+), target pour point/cloud point, and whether you need SAPO-11 powder for formulation or Pt-loaded catalyst. See the SAPO-11 product page for specifications.