ZSM-5 synthesis by the assistance of biomass and biomass-derivate compounds

• Published in: Microporous and mesoporous materials Vol. 263; pp. 251 - 256
• Main Authors: Gomes, Elisa S., Aranda, Donato A.G., Pereira, Marcelo M., Louis, Benoît
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Biomass; Mesoporous; n-hexane cracking; Zeolite; ZSM-5; Zeolite; Biomass; Mesoporous; n-hexane cracking; ZSM-5
• ISSN: 1387-1811; 1873-3093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2017.12.022

ZSM-5 zeolites with tailored properties were successfully synthesized in the presence of biomass-derivative compounds following conventional hydrothermal route. The strategy consisted of introducing, along with silica and alumina precursors, either sugar cane bagasse itself or biomass-derivate compounds obtained by hydrolysis of the sugar cane. As-prepared ZSM-5 catalysts were thoroughly characterized by XRD, XRF, SEM, nitrogen sorption and H/D isotope exchange techniques. The catalysts were evaluated both in the cracking of n-hexane and the methanol conversion into hydrocarbons. Our approach yielded solely ZSM-5 phase with broad differences in their intrinsic properties: external surface area (between 51 and 153 m2 g−1); 8 < Si/Al < 29, thus leading up to high Brønsted acid sites density; crystal size (from 0.3 to 13 μm) and peculiar morphologies. The high Al-content ZSM-5 led to achieve the higher n-hexane cracking activity. The ZSM-5 with the highest external area and higher Si/Al (SAR) converted methanol mainly into light olefins, whilst, the ZSM-5 material with the lower external area and lower SAR yielded gasoline formation. [Display omitted] •ZSM-5 zeolites with tailored properties synthesized in the presence of biomass.•Sole ZSM-5 formation with differences in intrinsic properties.•External surface area between 51 and 153 m2 g−1; 8 < Si/Al < 29; crystal size (from 0.3 to 13 μm).•High Al-content ZSM-5 led to higher n-hexane activity.•Methanol was converted to either olefins or gasoline.