Effect of framework Al siting on catalytic performance in methanol to aromatics over ZSM-5 zeolites

Abstract ZSM-5 zeolites with different framework Al (AlF) siting were hydrothermally synthesized by adding mineralizer, urea, or by changing the silicon source. The morphology, textural properties, AlF siting, and acidity of different ZSM-5 zeolites were characterized using SEM, XRD, BET, XRF, MAS NMR, NH3-TPD, and Py-FTIR. Furthermore, methanol to aromatics (MTA) was used to investigate the catalytic performance of different catalysts. The results suggested that different ZSM-5 zeolites were highly crystalline with a uniform morphology, but there were large differences in AlF siting and acidity. The AlF in the ellipsoidal ZSM-5 sample was mainly distributed in straight or sinusoidal channels and displayed more acidic sites. AlF of bulk ZSM-5 was mainly located at the intersection of channels, and it showed the lowest amount of strong acid sites. The ellipsoidal ZSM-5 catalyst in which AlF was mainly located in straight or sinusoidal channels exhibited more acidic sites and higher stability and aromatic selectivity during the MTA reaction.