Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous-HZSM-5 as a catalyst for ethanol dehydration to ethylene

Abstract

In this work, mesoporous HZSM-5 (M-HZSM-5) was synthesized with γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyltrimethoxysilane as pore-expanding agent through one-pot method and was studied for its catalytic activity and stability in ethanol dehydration. The resultant samples were characterized by various techniques, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the temperature-programmed desorption of NH3, and Thermogravimetric. Based on the analysis of the results, M-HZSM-5 with the typical MFI structure displays a specific surface area of 450 m2 g−1. Furthermore, the improvement of the activity and anti-coking ability of the catalyst for ethanol dehydration to ethylene is attributed to the existence of mesopores in HZSM-5, which can provide the reaction space and acid sites.