Selective dealumination of ZSM-5 by steaming and its effect on ethanol to propene

The effects of steaming at varying times and temperatures on ZSM-5 pore structures, framework Al distribution, acid properties and ethanol to propene (ETP) catalytic performance were systematically studied in this study. The results show that the crystallinity and specific surface areas of steam treated ZSM-5 samples decrease with the increase treatment time and temperature. 27Al MAS NMR and Co(II) exchange-ICP results show that the isolated framework Al species (Alsingle) can be preferentially removed from the zeolite framework, while the paired Al sites (Alpairs) remain relatively stable after steam treatment. The characterization of Py-IR reveals that the concentration of B acid sites and the acid strength are all declined with the steaming time or temperature increase. The catalytic results of ETP at 450°C show that the sample after steaming gives improved selectivities to propene and butene at the expense of ethene conversion and alkanes selectivity relative to the unmodified zeolite. Besides, a good positive correlation between ethylene conversion and Alsingle concentration is found, whereas the propene formation is influenced by the combination effect of Alsingle and Alpairs sites.