Can alkane isomers be separated? Adsorption equilibrium and kinetic data for hexane isomers and their binary mixtures on MFI

In this study we present a global overview of the adsorption behavior of hexane isomers on MFI. With an experimental approach that couples a manometric technique with Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which has been recently developed, we did address adsorption kinetic properties of n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane and 2,3-dimethylbutane, and their binary mixtures. The adsorption equilibrium properties of the binary mixtures were also assessed using the same technique. Whereas the adsorption isotherms and heats of adsorption for single components have been studied by a manometric technique coupled with a micro calorimeter. The differential heats of adsorption of n-hexane increase slightly with loading, on the other hand the heat of adsorption of branched hexanes exhibits a decrease with loading. The diffusion rates on MFI of n-hexane, 2-methylpentane and 2,3-dimethylbutane are in the same order of magnitude. However, the diffusion rate of 2,2-dimethylbutane is two orders of magnitude lower than rates of the other isomers. In the binary mixtures the components interact and the difference between the diffusion rates of the components decreases. The MFI zeolite presents equilibrium selectivity towards the less branched isomers. In conclusion, a separation process for linear/mono-branched alkanes + double-branched alkanes, has to be based on its equilibrium properties and not based on adsorption kinetics.