Tuning the mesoscopically structured ZSM‐5 nanosheets for the alkylation between toluene and methanol

Abstract

AbstractMesoscopically structured ZSM‐5 nanosheets were prepared as highly active catalysts for the alkylation between toluene with methanol. The results showed that the Brønsted acid sites of ZSM‐5 nanosheets were mainly distributed on the external surface in aluminum‐rich zeolites owing to the charge‐balance between positive quaternary ammonium cation (N+) in Cph‐10‐6‐6, Na+ ions and negative aluminosilicate species. In addition, it revealed that high alkalinity was easier to depolymerize the SiOSi species in Aluminum‐rich synthesis gel, and the high alkalinity was required for silica‐rich systems to dissolve silica species in order to finish the self‐assemble process, leading to ZSM‐5 nanosheets with high alkalinity presenting enhanced catalytic performance. Moreover, the optimized ZSM‐5‐50‐2.5 was effective for the alkylation between toluene and methanol with toluene conversion of up to 50%, and it was stably operated for 48 h under the harsh conditions of WHSV = 32.5 h−1 with a desired stability.