Stable Zn@ZSM-5 catalyst via a dry gel conversion process for methanol-to-aromatics reaction

A unique synthesis route to stabilize zinc species in ZSM-5 zeolite crystals was developed. Firstly, extensive mesoporosity in ZSM-5 was obtained through alkali treatment, after which Zn nanoparticles were introduced into the hierarchical ZSM-5 by impregnation. Then the sample was mixed with SiO2-sol and shaped. Finally, the Zn-fixed ZSM-5 zeolites was obtained by dry gel conversion. By this method, zinc species can be effectively stabilized in zeolite, which can not only improve the aromatic hydrocarbons selectivity, but also increase the stability of the catalyst in the reaction of methanol to aromatics (MTA). The acidity properties and the state of zinc species were studied. It was found that the catalyst possessed more Lewis acid sites and the ratio of Zn(OH)(+)/ZnO was increased after dry gel conversion.

Automated summary

A unique synthesis route was developed to stabilize zinc species in ZSM-5 zeolite crystals. By optimizing mesoporosity and introducing zinc nanoparticles, zinc species were effectively stabilized in the ZSM-5 zeolite, improving both the catalyst's efficiency and stability in the MTA reaction.