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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Different synthesis procedures of Pt supported on tungstated zirconia catalysts (Pt/WOx-ZrO2) were investigated with the aim to elucidate the different WOx nanostructures developed on the zirconia surface depending on the preparation route. Pt/WOx-ZrO2 catalysts were synthesized by the coprecipitation and impregnation methods and pretreated by various procedures such as different calcinations temperatures or the use of reflux. The catalysts characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) and nitrogen physisorption, and the catalytic activity was evaluated in the n-hexane isomerization reaction. The results indicate that the development of active sites for isomerization of n-hexane is enhanced by the stabilization of the WOx nanostructures on the surface of zirconia, before the formation of the WO3 crystallites, and it largely depends on the synthesis method.