Optimization of hierarchical ZSM-5 structure from kaolin as catalysts for biofuel production

• Main Authors: Dina Kartika Maharani, Dina Kartika Maharani, Yuly Kusumawati, Yuly Kusumawati, Widiya Nur Safitri, Widiya Nur Safitri, Reva Edra Nugraha, Reva Edra Nugraha, Holilah, Holilah, Novia Amalia Sholeha, Novia Amalia Sholeha, Abdul Jalil, Aishah, Bahruji, Hasliza, Didik Prasetyoko, Didik Prasetyoko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Royal Society of Chemistry 2023
• Subjects: QD Chemistry; TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/106712/1/AishahAbdulJalil2023_OptimizationofHierarchicalZSM5Structure.pdf; http://eprints.utm.my/106712/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d3ra01810e

Optimization of hierarchical ZSM-5 structure by variation of the first hydrothermal step at different times provides insight into the evolution of micro/mesopores and its effect as a catalyst for deoxygenation reaction. The degree of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) incorporation as an MFI structure directing agent and N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a mesoporogen was monitored to understand the effect towards pore formation. Amorphous aluminosilicate without the framework-bound TPAOH achieved within 1.5 h of hydrothermal treatment provides flexibility to incorporate CTAB for forming well-defined mesoporous structures. Further incorporation of TPAOH within the restrained ZSM-5 framework reduces the flexibility of aluminosilicate gel to interact with CTAB to form mesopores. The optimized hierarchical ZSM-5 was obtained by allowing hydrothermal condensation at 3 h, in which the synergy between the readily formed ZSM-5 crystallites and the amorphous aluminosilicate generates the proximity between micropores and mesopores. A high acidity and micro/mesoporous synergy obtained after 3 h exhibit 71.6% diesel hydrocarbon selectivity because of the improved diffusion of reactant within the hierarchical structures.