Synthesis of USY Zeolite with a High Mesoporous Content by Introducing Sn and Enhanced Catalytic Performance

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry research 2020-04, Vol.59 (13), p.5712-5719
• Main Authors: Meng, Bo, Ren, Shenyong, Liu, Xingyu, Zhang, Li, Hu, Qingxun, Wang, Jiujiang, Guo, Qiaoxia, Shen, Baojian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0888-5885; 1520-5045
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c00051

A method for the introduction of trace Sn atoms into zeolite Y to impart a large mesoporous pore volume is proposed, whereby the mesoporous pore volume, framework SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio, and crystal size were controlled by varying the Sn content. Characterization of the zeolite samples by a range of analytical techniques demonstrated that Sn entered the zeolite framework and produced superior mesopores during subsequent steam treatment, with an increased mesoporous pore volume of up to 50% being achieved compared with that of the ultrastable Y (USY) zeolite. In the catalytic cracking of 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene, the reactivity of the Sn-containing zeolite Y differed significantly from that of USY. In addition, the Sn-containing zeolite Y exhibited a higher activity and a lower deactivation tendency than USY. Overall, the presented results indicate that this method of introducing mesopores by presetting the unstable sites in the framework of zeolite Y can have a positive influence in the preparation of mesoporous Y zeolites.