Process for Making Catalyst for Olefin Upgrading

A process for the production of a catalyst for the oligomerization of olefins, comprising:

• forming a molecular sieve into molecular sieve pellets wherein the molecular sieve is from a structure type selected from the group consisting of MFI, MEL, ITH, IMF, TUN, FER, BEA, FAU, BPH, MEI, MSE, MWW, UZM-8, MOR, OFF, MTW, TON, MTT, AFO, ATO, AEL, and mixtures thereof;
• treating the molecular sieve-containing pellets with a phosphorous reagent treatment, thereby generating a zeolite having a phosphorus component between 0.5 and 15 wt %, thereby generating a treated catalyst having a micropore volume less than 30% of the pore volume, and a crystallinity greater than 50% of the untreated catalyst;
• extruding the treated catalyst to form catalyst pellets;
• and
• calcining the treated catalyst at a temperature greater than 300° C.