Impact of pore topology and crystal thickness of nanosponge zeolites on the hydroconversion of ethylbenzene

CATEGORY: HYDROCONVERSION: ETHYLBENZENE 
Impact of pore topology and crystal thickness of nanosponge zeolites on the hydroconversion of ethylbenzene

Type	Journal Article
Author	F. Marques Mota
Author	P. Eliášová
URL	http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2016/cy/c5cy02029h
Volume	6
Issue	8
Pages	2653-2662
Publication	Catalysis Science & Technology
Date	2016/04/20
Abstract	Reports a study of the gas-phase hydroconversion of ethylbenzene in the presence of intimate mixtures of *MRE, MFI and MTW-type zeolite nanosponges and a hydrogenating component (Pt/Al2O3). Researchers prepared the nanomorphic zeolites using multiammonium surfactants acting as dual-porogenic agents directing the formation of micro- and mesopores simultaneously. The effects of the zeolite topology and crystal thickness on the product selectivity of ultra-thin zeolite frameworks were examined. The enhanced catalytic activity confirmed the importance of improved molecular diffusion. These nanosponges were unique in producing more xylenes, suggesting lower confinement effects. The selectivity for p-xylene and the selectivity towards ethylbenzene hydroisomerization, dealkylation, disproportionation, transalkylation and hydrocracking were evaluated. Findings clarify the relatively unexplored transformation of alkyl-aromatics over ultra-thin zeolite crystals, through five typical catalytic reactions of major industrial interest.