Modification of ferrierite through post-synthesis treatments. Acidic and catalytic properties

The main emphasis of this work was placed on a detailed characterization of structural, textural and acidic properties of FER zeolites with different Si/Al ratios in terms of their activity in ethanol dehydration reaction. Subsequent dealumination and desilication procedures were found to be an efficient methods of a secondary system of mesopore generation in the ferrierite crystals with preservation of their microporous characteristics. Through ethanol dehydration both the acidic and the textural features have a significant influence on catalytic performance of hierarchical ferrierites. It was shown that higher catalytic activity and selectivity to ethylene is ensured by zeolites with highly preserved microporous characteristic, i.e. well-developed micropore area and intrinsic acidity.