Toward rational design of hierarchical ZSM-48 zeolite for enhanced crystallinity and acidity for n-decane hydroisomerization performance
摘要
The introduction of mesopores is essential to mitigate diffusion limitations in microporous architectures, particularly for zeolites with one-dimensional micropore channels. In this study, we synthesized hierarchical ZSM-48 zeolites with tunable crystallinity and acidity through utilizing dodecyl trimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) as a mesoporous template and combined with gradient acid treatment. Unlike conventional post-synthetic methods that compromise framework integrity, this approach successfully preserved the microporous structure while introducing mesopores, and effectively removing non-framework aluminum to optimal acid distribution. Compared to conventional samples, hierarchical ZSM-48 zeolites exhibit higher catalytic performance during the isomerization of n-decane. As the acid-treated time was extended, the crystallinity of the hierarchical ZSM-48 zeolite gradually increased, while the strong Brønsted/Lewis (B/L) acid ratio initially increased and then decreased. The highly crystallized hierarchical ZSM-48 zeolite with a high B/L ratio was able to balance the synergistic effects between the mesoporous structure and acidity, achieving the highest isomer selectivity. This work establishes a green and scalable route for designing shape-selective bifunctional catalysts, emphasizing crystallinity-acidity interplay in balancing activity and selectivity.