In this study, isomerization of C5 was carried out in a combined separation and reaction system using tubular BZSM-5 membrane packed with Pt/ZSM-5 nanocatalyst. The feed mixture is passed over the BZSM-5 membrane and linear n-C5 molecules were separated from branched ones before contacting the catalyst bed. The catalytic performance of the membrane reactor was compared with that of a conventional packed bed reactor with similar dimensions and at comparable operation conditions. These results showed that membrane reactor significantly enhanced i-C5 yield in isomerization of n-C5. The influence of operating conditions on the performance of membrane reactor was evaluated. The membrane reactor displayed a maximum increase in i-C5 yield compared to packed bed reactor of 6300% at 220 °C.
