Interplay Between Particle Size and Hierarchy of Zeolite ZSM‐5 During the CO2‐to‐aromatics Process

Abstract

AbstractThe CO2‐to‐aromatics process is a chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable petrochemical, i. e., aromatics (especially, benzene, toluene, and xylene) over the metal/zeolite bifunctional catalytic systems. These aromatics are used in producing plastics, fibers, and other industrial products, which are currently exclusively sourced from fossil‐derived feedstocks. The significance of this process lies in its potential to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously producing valuable chemicals. Consequently, these CO2‐derived aromatics can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels as a source of feedstocks, which can help to promote a more sustainable and circular economy. Owing to the existence of a wider straight channel favoring the aromatization process, zeolite ZSM‐5 is extensively used to yield aromatics during CO2 hydrogenation over bifunctional (metal/zeolite) catalytic systems. To provide a better understanding of this unique property of zeolite ZSM‐5, this work investigates the impact of particle size and hierarchy of the zeolite and how these govern the reaction performance and the overall selectivity. As a result, an improved understanding of the zeolite‐catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion process has been obtained.