Enhanced activity of hierarchical zeolitic material with ZSM-5 structure for the tert-butylation of phenol

Abstract

Nanocrytsalline phase of hierarchical zeolite structure with ZSM-5 was successfully synthesised via a facile and new method using NR latex as a polymer macrotemplate for the liquid phase alkylation of phenol with tert-butanol. X-ray diffraction pattern, FT-IR spectrum and TEM observations confirm the formation of pure and nanocrystalline zeolite ZSM-5 phase. Catalysis measurements show that the prepared zeolite ZSM-5 phase leads to high phenol conversion and 2,4-di-TBP selectivity which is mainly due to the presence of the hierarchical porosity within the zeolite ZSM-5 phase as confirmed by FESEM and pore size analyses. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.