New Synthesis of ZSM-5 from High-Silica Kaolinite and Its Use in Vapor-Phase Conversion of 1-Phenylethanol to Styrene

The present work describes the utilization of high-silica kaolinite for the synthesis of zeolite ZSM-5 With different SiO2/Al2O3 ratios. The new synthetic Method, which involves acid base activation of metakaolinite, is most suitable for the production of high-silica zeolites. The process starts with the conversion of kaolinite to metakaolinite, which is then dealuminated with sulfuric acid with varying concentrations. A relationship between the add concentration and the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio in the final product was established. The dealuminated kaolinite was hydrothermally treated with alkali to obtain phase-pure ZSM-5. The zeolites were characterized by XRF, XRD, SEM, and N-2 physisorption. The sodium form of the zeolite was converted to the add form for application in catalytic dehydration of alcohols. The catalytic activity of the zeolite was tested in the dehydration of 1-phenylethanol into styrene. The results reveal a selective formation of styrene in high yield that teaches up to 95%.