Embryonic ZSM-5 zeolites: zeolitic materials with superior catalytic activity in 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene dealkylation

Abstract

Embryonic ZSM-5 zeolites are harvested from clear ZSM-5 precursor solutions after freeze-drying and calcination. These materials are microporous with pore sizes close to those of ZSM-5 zeolites. Due to their partially formed structure, embryonic zeolites do not display a long range order and are XRD amorphous. Their micropores are highly accessible, and resistive to high temperature treatments and the strength of their acid sites is comparable to zeolites. These characteristics give them superior catalytic performances in the conversion of a bulky model molecule, 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene.