Ethylene-to-aromatics over metal-free hierarchical MFI zeolite: Boosting the BTX yield

Abstract

The use of purely microporous zeolites for transforming ethylene into aromatics is hampered by low activity and deactivation due to restricted channels and coke formation. In contrast, hierarchical zeolites have demonstrated improved catalytic performance. In this study, we investigate the effect of the zeolite properties and operation conditions on ethylene conversion. The results show that the appropriate amount of templates is crucial for optimizing the benefits of hierarchical zeolites. Notably, a liquid yield up to 54 % and a two-fold reduction in coke formation were observed compared to commercial samples. Moreover, 75 % of the aromatic product with 68 % selectivity to BTX in aromatics product was obtained.

Keywords

• Hierarchical zeolite
• ZSM-5
• Aromatics
• BTX
• Ethylene conversion