Preparation of hierarchical H-[B]-ZSM-5 zeolites by a desilication method as a highly selective catalyst for conversion of methanol to propylene

A hydrothermal route was exploited to prepare high-silica H-ZSM-5 as well as H-[B]-ZSM-5 zeolites, and the boron-modified type was then desilicated with alkaline treatment. The properties of catalysts were investigated by different techniques, and the catalytic performance was evaluated in the methanol to propylene reaction. The effects of three critical desilication parameters, including the alkali concentration, temperature, and treatment time were evaluated on propylene selectivity and mesopore volume. The results of characterizations evinced that the incorporation of B in the H-ZSM-5 zeolite reduced the total surface area as well as the pore volume of the H-[B]-ZSM-5 sample and increased the external surface area. Furthermore, a significant increase in the weak acid site density for the boron-containing specimen was observed. Also, the external surface area and mesopore volume of the desilicated specimens underwent an increment, while the micropore volume was almost constant. As opposed to the H-[B]-ZSM-5 catalyst, the optimum desilicated catalyst exhibited higher selectivity to propylene (48.8 vs. 40.7%) and total light olefins (76.9 vs. 71.2%), and a higher ratio of propylene to ethylene (5.66 vs. 4.15). The optimum catalyst had a higher lifetime in the MTP reaction (867 h) as opposed to the microporous H-[B]-ZSM-5 catalyst (498 h).