A series of HZSM-5 zeolites modified by different amounts of phosphorus (P/HZSM-5) were prepared. The physicochemical features of P/HZSM-5 catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, BET, NH3-TPD, FT-IR spectra of adsorbed pyridine, etc., and their performances for the catalytic cracking of the mixed C-4 alkanes to produce light olefins were investigated. The results indicated that phosphorus (P) modification not only modulated the amount of acidic sites and the percentage of weak acidic sites in total acidic sites, but also regulated the acid type, i.e., the ratio of L/B (Lewis acid/Bronsted acid). The introduction of P also altered the basic characteristics of HZSM-5 which was evidenced by CO2-TPD analysis. Consequently, P modification with suitable amount was favorable for enhancing the selectivity to light olefins, especially to propene. At the temperature of 650 degrees C, the maximum yields of propene and ethene were achieved 25.6 and 33.9%, which were higher than those over parent HZSM-5 by 7 and 4.5%, respectively. Aromatics yield was found to be decreased with the increasing P loading due to the reduction of strong acid and the formation of new basic site which inhibited the hydrogen transfer reaction. All this indicates that P-modified HZSM-5 zeolites are effective catalysts for the cracking of mixed C-4 alkanes to produce more light olefins. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.