Catalyst design strategies towards highly shape-selective HZSM-5 for para-xylene through toluene alkylation

Abstract

With the shape selective zeolite catalyst, toluene alkylation with methanol to para-xylene (MTPX) technology could produce highly pure para-xylene (PX) in one step. The lower feedstock cost and less energy consumption in products separation make it more competitive compared to the current toluene disproportionation route. Thus, MTPX is regarded as the most reasonable production route for PX production. This article reviews the strategies that applied to the preparation of high-performance catalysts for MTPX, with special focus on the precise control of pore dimension and acid sites distribution in zeolite to achieve the highest selectivity to PX. The outlook of the MTPX catalyst is also proposed to guide the catalyst development in the field.

Keywords

• Toluene
• Methanol
• Para-xylene
• ZSM-5
• Alkylation