Effect of Binder on the Properties of MWW Zeolite Catalysts in Benzene Alkylation with Propylene

The effect of the nature of the binding component (Al2O3, SiO2, kaolin) on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of catalysts based on a hierarchical zeolite of the MWW framework type in benzene alkylation with propylene has been studied. The best results have been obtained using Al(OH)3 as an Al2O3 precursor. This precursor does not have an adverse effect on the acidic properties of the catalyst and thereby provides an increase in the yield of the desired product, i.e., cumene. The addition of kaolin to this catalyst does not affect the strength characteristics; however, the presence of this binder leads to a decrease in the number of acid sites in the sample.