One-step synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres using alkyl-polyamines as single templates

Abstract

Diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) were used as single templates to synthesize mesoporous zeolite ZSM-5 microspheres. The obtained 10-15 μm hierarchical aggregates had a uniformspherical morphology, which was spontaneously assembled by primary zeolite nanocrystals of 50 nmin size during the hydrothermal synthesis. The ZSM-5 aggregates had a tunable textual porosity, large mesopore volume, and high catalytic activity in the Friedel-Crafts alkylation. Diamine templates only acted as structure directing agents in our previous work. The current alkyl-polyamine templates acted as structure directing agents and space fillers in the synthesis of the hierarchical zeolites.