Two types of Fe-containing Pt/KL catalysts were prepared, characterized and examined using an n-hexane aromatization reaction. Pt/FeKL contained framework Fe, which was incorporated through hydrothermal synthesis, while Pt-Fe/KL contained non-framework Fe, which was introduced through impregnation. The differences between the framework and non-framework Fe were examined using XRD, FT-IR and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Pt dispersion and reducibility as well as the electronic states of the Fe and Pt particles were detected using H-2-chemisorption, H-2-TPR and XPS, respectively. With the non-framework Fe, an electron-rich platinum species (Pt delta-) formed after reduction. With the framework Fe, an electron-deficient platinum species (Pt delta+) was detected. The n-hexane aromatization results from adding 0.3 wt% non-framework Fe include conversion after 3.5 h on stream at 450 degrees C, H-2/n-hexane =3.0 (mole ratio) and 3 h(-1) WHSV over the Pt-Fe/KL, which was maintained at 77%; these values are greater than the 41% Pt/KL and 25% Pt/FeKL. The Pt-Fe/KL benzene selectivity was 89%, which is also greater than the 83% Pt/KL and 53% Pt/FeKL. We discuss the effect of Fe on the Pt particle states and the relationship between the Pt states and catalyst activity. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.