Co-conversion of methanol and n-hexane into aromatics using intergrown ZSM-5/ZSM-11 as a catalyst

The conversion of n-hexane and methanol into value-added aromatic compounds is a promising method for their industrially relevant utilization. In this study, intergrown ZSM-5/ZSM-11 crystals were synthesized and their resulting catalytic performance was investigated and compared to those of the isolated ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites. The physicochemical properties of ZSM-5/ZSM-11 intergrown zeolite were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, N₂ isothermal adsorption-desorption, the temperature-programmed desorption of ammonium, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra of adsorbed pyridine, and nuclear magnetic resonance of ²⁷Al , and compared with those of the ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites. The catalytic performances of the materials were evaluated during the co-feeding reaction of methanol and n-hexane under the fixed bed conditions of 400°C, 0.5 MPa (N₂), methanol:꞉n-hexane=7꞉:3 (mass ratio), and weight hourly space velocity=1 h^–1 (methanol). Compared to the ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites, the ZSM-5/ZSM-11 zeolite exhibited the largest specific surface area, a unique crystal structure, moderate acidity, and suitable Brønsted/Lewis acid ratio. The evaluation results showed that ZSM-5/ZSM-11 catalyst exhibited better catalytic reactivity than the ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 catalysts in terms of methanol conversion rate, n-hexane conversion rate, and aromatic selectivity. The outstanding catalytic property of the intergrown ZSM-5/ZSM-11 was attributed to the enhanced diffusion associated with its unique crystal structure. The benefit of using zeolite intergrowth in the co-conversion of methanol and alkanes offers a novel route for future catalyst development.     

Synthesis of mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolites through desilication and re-assembly processes

ZSM-5 zeolite crystals with secondary mesopores were synthesized by alkaline desilication and surfactant-induced re-assembly of dissolved species (i.e., silicates, aluminosilicates and zeolite crystal fragments) originating from the parent ZSM-5 crystals. The meso-zeolite products exhibit a dual-mesopore structure in which the smaller mesopores (ca. 3 nm) are attributed to surfactant-induced micelle formation involving dissolved species, and larger mesopores (ca. 10-30 nm) result from desilication processes occurring under the alkaline reaction conditions. The external surface area (i.e., the surface area due to mesopores, macropores and the external particle surface) of the meso-zeolite materials depends on the Si/Al ratio, the hydroxide concentration and the presence of surfactant, and it reaches values as high as 327 m² g⁻¹ when a surfactant is used. The crystallinity of the highest surface-area meso-zeolite is well preserved, maintaining values of ca. 83% (on the basis of micropore volume) or ca. 77% (on the basis of X-ray diffraction intensities) of the parent zeolite structures. Further physicochemical characterization by ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed ammonia desorption measurements, and inductively coupled plasma elementary analysis support the hypothesis that re-assembly of dissolved species of zeolite crystals occurred by surfactant-induced micellization, resulting in the high external surface area of the meso-zeolite materials.     

ZSM-5/EU-1共生分子筛的可控合成及催化裂解性能

采用双模板剂两步晶化法设计合成了ZSM-5/EU-1共生分子筛,通过调整预晶化过程,实现了两种分子筛的共生和晶相比例的可控调变。研究两段凝胶组成的影响发现,第一段凝胶组成,尤其是模板剂浓度对所得共生样品晶相比例具有较大影响。与机械混合和纯相样品相比,ZSM-5/EU-1共生分子筛表现出最大的BET表面积和孔体积尤其是外表面积和介孔体积。而且EU-1相含量为39%的ZSM-5/EU-1共生分子筛在正己烷催化裂解制低碳烯烃反应中表现出比机械混合样品和ZSM-5分子筛更高的反应活性稳定性和低碳烯烃选择性,尤其是丙烯选择性。在反应120 min时,该共生分子筛上低碳烯烃选择性比相同EU-1相含量机械混合样品和ZSM-5分子筛均高出约10.7个百分点,丙烯选择性分别高出8.5和9.1个百分点,P/E比分别高出0.42和0.46。     

Differences between ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolite catalysts in 1-hexene aromatization and isomerization

ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites with high crystallinity are synthesized and tested in the aromatization and isomerization reactions of 1-hexene at 370 °C in a continuous flow fixed bed. The results indicate that ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites possess similar acid site amount and strength, and most of the acid sites belong to Brønsted acid. When the ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites were used as catalysts, the aromatics selectivity over ZSM-11 catalyst was higher than that over ZSM-5 catalyst in contrast to i-paraffins selectivity, maybe attributed to that the C₇ and C₈ aromatics have an easier exit from the ZSM-11 zeolite. Moreover, the decrease of particle size can present superior aromatics selectivity and less i-paraffins selectivity in the aromatization and isomerization of 1-hexene over the ZSM-11 catalyst.     

Synthesis and characterization of MCM-41-type composite materials prepared from ZSM-5 zeolite

Micro/mesoporous composite materials with microporous and mesoporous double pores-size distribution were hydrothermally synthesized by using slurry or filtrate of alkali-treated ZSM-5 zeolite and were characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption, FT-IR, TEM and so on. The XRD and TEM patterns indicate the composite materials possess ordered hexagonal structure. The sample MZ-B using filtrate of alkali-treated ZSM-5 zeolite hardly contains raw ZSM-5 particles. However, sample MZ-A originated from the slurry of alkali-treated ZSM-5 zeolite may contain some ZSM-5 crystallites, owing to the differences in concentration and time of alkaline treatment for ZSM-5 zeolite.     

The influence of physicochemical properties of ZSM-5 on catalytic dewaxing

A decrease in the crystallite size increases the activity as well as the selectivity and reduces the deactivation of ZSM-5 zeolites in the dewaxing of petroleum fractions. Isomorphous replacement of Al³⁺ by Fe³⁺ reduces the dewaxing activity but enhances the yield of dewaxed oil and gasoline at the expense of C₁-C₄ gases. Within limits, the Si/Al ratio does not affect the performance of ZSM-5 zeolite in the hydrodewaxing process.     

Synthesis of ZSM-5 Membrane on the Anodized Alumina by Adding Promoter Ions

Adding promoter ions (e.g., NO–3 and PO3–4) can shorten hydrothermal synthesis time for continuous ZSM-5 layers on the anodized alumina from several ten hours to several hours. The anodized alumina, using as a support and a source of aluminum in the preparation of ZSM-5 crystals, was placed vertically in Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclaves with a high H2O/SiO2 ratio aqueous solution. The results showed that a layer of well-intergrown ZSM-5 crystals was formed on anodized alumina and the adhesion between zeolite and anodized alumina was excellent. The morphology and crystallization of the ZSM-5 zeolite membrane were characterized by using SEM and XRD.     

Phenylhydrazine rearrangement revisited over modified ZSM-5 catalysts

The rearrangement of phenylhydrazine too- andp-phenylenediamines was carried out over ZSM-5 and its modified catalysts. Sm and V showed the promoting effect. In presence of ammonia flow Ga and Cr modified ZSM-5 catalysts gave good yields ofo- andp-phenylenediamines. The better temperature and WHSV for this reaction are found to be 400°C and 0.25 h^–1 respectively. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃ catalyst showed very low ortho-para selectivity when compared with zeolite catalysts.IICT Communication No. 3372.     

水在ZSM-5型分子筛中吸附的Monte Carlo模拟

构建了ZSM-5型分子筛物理模型,采用Connoly表面方法和Solvent表面方法对ZSM-5型分子筛的几何结构和性质进行了模拟分析。通过巨正则系综蒙特卡罗方法(GCMC)模拟研究了水蒸气在ZSM-5型分子筛上的吸附特性。通过模拟方法看到了实验难以表征的水蒸气在分子筛中具体吸附位,研究了压力、温度和硅铝比对ZSM-5型分子筛吸附性能的影响及其吸附热的变化规律。     

Adsorption of alcohols from aqueous solution by ZSM-5

Isotherms have been measured for the adsorption from aqueous solution of water soluble alcohols onto the zeolite ZSM-5. For methanol and ethanol the amount of alcohol adsorbed increases with increasing percentage of Al₂O₃, whereas for n-butanol the amount adsorbed decreases as the amount of Al₂O₃ increases. Adsorption of alcohols is also dependent on the cation form. For the alkali metal ion forms, the amount of alcohol adsorbed decreases as the ionic size increases, the effect being particularly pronounced for Cs⁺. Subsequent alcohol desorption was studied by thermogravimetry and mass spectrometry which showed that the zeolite retained a portion of the alcohol to temperatures (ca 250°C) sufficiently high that catalytic breakdown occurred. This reduces its likely potential for commercial alcohol concentration.     

Estimation of crystalline phase in ZSM-5 zeolites by infrared spectroscopy

A fast and accurate method for identification and determination of purity of Zeolite Socony Mobil 5 (ZSM-5) zeolite was developed using the IR optical density ratio of the bands at 550 and 450 cm^?1 in the mid-IR region of the structure spectra. The optical density values obtained from the proposed method, for ZSM-5 zeolite synthesized, are compared with those of the Bayer ZSM-5 zeolite used as reference material. For well-crystallized calcined ZSM-5 zeolite, this ratio is circa 0.8. This ratio is found to be less, if amorphous silicate is present in zeolite. The presence of a band at 550 cmSUP>?1 in addition to the one at 450 cm^?1 shows that ZSM-5 zeolite has been formed even if the material is X-ray amorphous. The absence of the structure-sensitive band at 550 cm^?1 unambiguously indicates that such a zeolite has not been formed.     

In-situ synthesis and catalytic activity of ZSM-5 zeolite

ZSM-5 zeolite has been hydrothermally synthesized in-situ on the external surface of calcined kaolinite in the presence of n-butylamine. This supported zeolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption. Several synthesis variables were systematically investigated, including SiO₂ to Al₂O₃ ratio, pH, crystallization time, and crystallization temperature. After mixing the ZSM-5 with a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst, catalytic performance was evaluated by cracking vacuum gas oil (VGO) in a micro-fixed bed reactor. ZSM-5 addition was favorable for the production of light olefins by catalytic cracking of VGO.     

Crystal growth of high silica ZSM-5 at low temperature synthesis conditions

At the temperature of 90°C and under atmospheric pressure, growth kinetics of high silica ZSM-5 was investigated through a long induction, nucleation and crystal growth periods. It was found the entire crystallization mechanism of ZSM-5 seems to be the combined process of the nucleation via solid-solid transformation, intergrowth among seed crystals and the normal growth in the reaction mixture. Nuclei were initially formed on the Si-rich surface of the amorphous intermediates, indicating that the reaction of TPA with Si species was prior to that with Al species. As the reaction time proceeded, various types of intergrowth among the seed crystals were observed along with the crystals growing independently. The intergrowth seems to play a role for forming typical ZSM-5 crystal shapes. And then ZSM-5 crystals further grew in the reaction mixture, so that the bulk Si/Al₂ ratio of crystals approached that of the initial reaction mixture.     

二次水热合成法制备ZSM-5分子筛膜及其渗透汽化性能

采用二次水热合成法在管状多孔莫来石支撑体上制备高耐酸性ZSM-5分子筛膜,系统地研究分子筛晶种和合成溶胶中H₂O/SiO₂摩尔比率对ZSM-5分子筛膜生长与渗透汽化性能的影响,采用X射线衍射、冷场扫描电子显微镜和电子能谱等表征技术分别对制备的ZSM-5分子筛及其ZSM-5分子筛膜的结构、形貌和Si/Al比进行表征。针对分离75℃、90% HAc/H₂O的水溶液,最优化条件下制备的ZSM-5分子筛膜表现出优良的渗透汽化性能,渗透通量和分离因子分别为0.98kg/(m²·h)和890。此外,本研究所采用制备耐酸性ZSM-5分子筛膜的方法表现出良好的重现性,重复制备的12根ZSM-5分子筛膜在75℃下分离90% HAc/H₂O的水溶液时,平均通量和分离系数分别为（0.85±0.15）kg/(m²·h)和650±290。再者,ZSM-5分子筛膜在45～75℃的温度范围内分离50%～95% HAc/H₂O水溶液时都表现出优良的渗透汽化性能。     

Methanol-to-gasoline(MTG)conversion over ZSM-5. A temperature programmed surface reaction study

The conversion of methanol to gasoline over zeolite ZSM-5 has been studied by temperature programmed surface reaction (TPSR). The technique is able to monitor the two steps in the process: the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether and the subsequent conversion of dimethyl ether to hydrocarbons. The activation barriers associated with each step were evaluated from the TPSR profiles and are 25.7 and 46.5 kcal/mol respectively. The methanol desorption profile shows considerable change with the amount of methanol molecules adsorbed per Brønsted site of the zeolite. The energy associated with the desorption process, (CH₃OH)_nH_s+-ZSM5 (CH₃OH)_n–1H⁺-ZSM5+CH₅OH, shows a spectrum of values depending onn.     

Preparation of ZSM-5 Zeolite Honeycomb Monoliths Using Microporous Silica Obtained from Metakaolinite

Zeolite honeycomb monoliths were prepared from ZSM-5 powders synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using microporous silica obtained by selective leaching of metakaolinite. This honeycomb material was compared with those prepared using alkoxides (TEOS) as the silica source. The honeycomb monoliths were formed by extrusion of paste made from the synthesized powders through a multi-channel honeycomb die. The morphology and porous properties of these materials were studied using XRD, FTIR, SEM and N₂/Ar adsorption. ZSM-5 grains in the monoliths prepared from metakaolinite showed platy morphology with preferred orientation of the crystals in the extruded surface, and displayed an absence of secondary growth. The twinned morphology of ZSM-5 crystals was observed in the monoliths prepared using TEOS and this contributed to an increase in the external surface area even though the total surface area was identical to that of samples prepared from metakaolinite. The physical properties, thermal stability and mechanical strength of the monoliths was compared with zeolite-coated honeycombs. The results show that microporous silica prepared by acid leaching of metakaolinite is a cost-effective raw material for preparing ZSM-5 honeycomb monoliths with controlled morphology and tunable SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios.     

The structure and activity of Pt6 particles in ZSM-5 type zeolites

Density functional theory was applied to investigate the nature of active sites formed by the interaction of a Pt₆ guest particle with the silicalite and H-form of ZSM-5 as the host zeolites. Interaction of metal cluster with silicalite shows a slight stabilization (36 kJ/mol) and formation of a negatively charged Pt entity. When a metal particle is arranged in the channel of H-form substantial stabilization (187 kJ/mol) and generation of an oxidized Pt₆H⁺ species are observed. The formation of an active site includes interaction between a platinum particle and an acid site accompanied by the suppression of zeolite acidity. The suggestion is made that the alkane transformation on supported platinum particles proceeds via metal–cyclobutane and metal–carbene intermediates and does not need the direct involvement of acid sites. The difference in catalytic behavior of the Pt₆/HZSM-5 and Pt₆/ZSM-5 systems is discussed.     

Aromatisation ofn-heptane over ZSM-5 prepared without the aid of a template

ZSM-5 was prepared without the aid of an organic template. Effect of synthesis parameters on its catalytic activity in aromatisation ofn-heptane are discussed. Addition of seed material increased the crystallinity of the ZSM-5 phase. The catalytic activity was comparable with a sample prepared using an organic template. Formation of higher amount of C_9– aromatics was observed over the non-templated zeolite.     

Characterization and Adsorption Behavior of ZSM-5 Zeolite Film on Cordierite Honeycombs Prepared by a Novel in situ Crystallization Method

Thin films of ZSM-5 zeolite prepared on three types of cordierite ceramic honeycomb substrates by a novel in situ crystallization method were characterized by XRD, FTIR, XRF, SEM-EDX, NH₃-TPD and propane gas adsorption to examine the effect of the substrate on various properties of the ZSM-5 films. The substrates were both as-prepared and acid treated cordierite honeycombs. The XRD, FTIR and XRF results showed that silica-rich surface layers were formed on the surface of the honeycombs by the acid treatments. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios of the ZSM-5 zeolite formed on these layers increased with increasing time of acid treatment. Both Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ from the substrates were found to contribute to the formation reaction of the zeolite films corresponding to the composition of the interfacial layer. The porous properties of the honeycomb substrates also varied in relation to the amount of zeolite film, which increased linearly with acid treatment time. The presence of the silica-rich interfacial layer between the substrate and zeolite film increased the amount of ZSM-5 and the physical adsorption but decreased the solid acidity and amount of chemisorption.     

Studies on the mechanism of ZSM-5 formation

The nucleation of (Al-free) zeolite precursor gels was studied using X-ray diffraction,²⁹Si FT-NMR, and ion exchange. Results suggest that in ZSM-5 nucleation, the channel intersections are first formed. These clathrate-like units, each containing essentially one TPA⁺ cation, are initially randomly connected, but progressively anneal with rearrangement under the influence of OH^– ions to form the ZSM-5 framework.