Transalkylation of Multi-secbutylbenzenes with Benzene over Hierarchical Beta Zeolite

A hierarchical beta zeolite synthesized by quasi-solid phase conversion method was characterized by BET, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD), ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (²⁷Aland ²⁹Si MAS NMR), and its catalytic performance was compared with that of conventional microporous beta zeolite for liquid phase transalkylation of multi-secbutylbenzenes (MSBBs) with benzene. The results indicate that the hierarchical beta zeolite consists of nanosized crystals with a meso/microporous structure and has stronger acid strength than the microporous beta zeolite. The higher conversion of tri-secbutylbenzene (TSBB) and selectivity of sec-butylbenzene (SBB) are achieved on hierarchical beta zeolite than microporous beta zeolite, while the conversion of di-secbutylbenzene (DSBB) is slightly higher. The improvement of catalytic performance over hierarchical beta zeolite can be ascribed to the presence of mesopores, nanosized crystals and stronger acidity.