The spatial distribution of V and Ni deposited within fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst is studied because these metals contribute to catalyst deactivation. Y zeolite in FCC microspheres are high SiO2 aluminosilicates with molecular-sized channels that contain a mixture of lanthanoids. They must withstand high regeneration temperatures and retain acid sites needed for cracking of hydrocarbons, a process essential for efficient gasoline production. Zeolite in combination with V to form vanadates, or less diffusion in the channels due to coke formation, may deactivate catalyst. Other factors such as metal "skins", microsphere sintering, and attrition may also be involved. SEM of FCC fracture surfaces, AEM of Y zeolite, and electron microscopy of this work are developed to better understand and minimize catalyst deactivation.
