MFI zeolite with hierarchical structure having micropores and mesopores, a preparation method thereof, and catalytic use

Xylene yield enhancing hierarchical MFI zeolite

This technology simultaneously uses a non-benzene-based first structure directing agent that provides the skeletal structure of MFI zeolite seed crystals with regular microporous pore sizes, and a second structure directing agent containing one benzene ring and ammonium ion that acts as a mesopore-directing agent without interfering with the role of the first structure directing agent. This is about the manufacturing method of hierarchically structured MFI zeolite.

We overcome the mass transfer limitations of existing MFI zeolites and present a solution for the production of acetylene-based sustainable aromatics.

The catalyst using this technology maintains the excellent properties of existing zeolites while maximizing mass transfer efficiency, showing excellent catalytic activity in the conversion reaction from acetylene to high value-added aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. In particular, it can contribute to the development of a sustainable chemical industry by improving xylene production yield by up to 7 times

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Key Features:

• Using two types of structure-directing agents (SDA) simultaneously to manufacture MFI zeolite with a hierarchical structure in which micropores and mesopores coexist
• First structure-directing agent: A non-benzene-based directing agent (e.g. tetrapropylammonium hydroxide) forms a regular microporous structure that becomes the skeleton of MFI zeolite
• Second structure-directing agent: Containing a benzene ring Cationic surfactant (e.g., benzyltrimethylammonium bromide) additionally forms mesopores without interfering with the formation of microstructure
• Excellent performance in the conversion reaction from acetylene to aromatic compounds, significantly increasing aromatic compound yield by about 2 times compared to existing catalysts, and especially xylene yield by about 7 times

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This technology was developed through the National Research Foundation of Korea's research project on catalyst technology for producing BTX from methane via acetylene.

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