Silicon-based porous catalytic system for oligomerising light olefins

Porous silicon-based catalytic system substantially free from catalytic metal, and having an average pore diameter comprised between about 1 nm and about 5 nm, an acidity level of between about 150 μmol/g and about 650 μmol/g, and prepared from at least one hydrolysable silicon-based compound, or other source of silicon, and at least one non-ionic surface active agent, wherein the concentration of the non-ionic surface active agent in the catalyst preparation medium is in the range of 15 to 25 wt %.

Process for the conversion of a light olefin feedstock into oligomer paraffins, having from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, characterised in that it comprises the following reaction steps:

• a) said olefin feedstock is contacted with a porous silicon-based catalytic system having an average pore diameter of between about 1 nm and about 5 nm and an acidity level of between about 150 μmol/g and about 650 μmol/g, and prepared from at least one hydrolysable silicon-based compound, or other source of silicon, and at least one non-ionic surface active agent;
• b) the reaction is run at a temperature ranging from about 100 C to about 350 C, and at a pressure comprised between about 0.5 MPa and about 7 MPa;
• c) the final products are removed from the reaction medium and collected.