Effect of preparation variables on the aromatization activity of Pt/KL catalysts was studied. The aromatic content as well as C-5(+) liquid yields were greatly influenced by the nature of binder material used in catalyst preparation. Detailed characterization of the catalysts indicated that two factors, namely (1) nature of binder and (2) size and volume of pores, influenced the catalytic activity. Among the catalysts studied the one prepared by MgO doped basic binder exhibited better performance. Pt loading was also observed to influence the pore volume and aromatization activity of the catalysts, where the catalyst exhibited decrease in pore volume above 0.4 wt.% Pt loading. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.