MCM-41 like materials prepared from ZSM-5 precursors: synthesis, characterisation and catalytic performance

Abstract

Mesoporous materials with zeolitic subdomains in the framework were synthesised by hydrothermal treatment of an age ZSM-5 synthesis mixture in the presence of a micellar surfactant (CTAB). We investigated the effect of the presence of aluminium, of the aging time and of the duration of the hydrothermal treatment on the properties of the final materials. We observed that there is a preorganisation during the aging period and that the preorganised aluminosilicate species are incorporated into the final materials leading to unique catalytic properties. The new materials show higher catalytic activity than amorphous mesoporous aluminosilicates in the cracking of isopropylbenzene and are more active than commercial ZSM-5 in the cracking of 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene.