Method of enhancing an aromatization catalyst

A hydrocarbon aromatization process comprising:

• adding an oxygenate to a recycle stream to produce an enhanced recycle stream, to a hydrocarbon stream to produce an enhanced hydrocarbon stream, or to both, wherein the enhanced hydrocarbon stream, the enhanced recycle stream, or both contains from about 2 ppm to 12 ppm water;
• contacting the enhanced recycle stream, the enhanced hydrocarbon stream, or both with an aromatization catalyst in a reaction zone, wherein the catalyst comprises a non-acidic zeolite support, a group VIII metal, a fluoride, and one or more other halides;
• and
• recovering an effluent comprising aromatic hydrocarbons.

A hydrocarbon aromatization process comprising:

• adding an oxygenate to a recycle stream to produce an enhanced recycle stream containing from about 2 ppm to 12 ppm water;
• contacting the enhanced recycle stream with an aromatization catalyst in a reaction zone, wherein the catalyst comprises a non-acidic L-zeolite support, platinum and one or more halides;
• and
• recovering an effluent comprising aromatic hydrocarbons.