Catalytic applications of OSDA-free Beta zeolite

Beta zeolite obtained from seeded synthesis without the use of organic structure directing agents (OSDAs) has been used as a catalyst in different types of reactions. The large number of strong acid sites resulted in a high activity for the alkylation of benzene with ethene and a high cracking activity in the hydroconversion of n-decane. However, the high framework polarity resulted in fast deactivation in the acylation of aromatic ethers. Dealumination treatments resulted in improved stability in alkylation reactions with the more reactive olefins like propene. In acylation reactions, the activity was significantly increased, and in hydroconversion, a better balance between the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation and the acid sites was obtained. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.