Development of Hierarchical MCM-22 Layered Zeolite for Selective Glycerol Dehydration

Abstract

MCM-22 (SiO2/Al2O3 = 30) was synthesized using colloidal silica and modified in the presence of an organic template, surface active agent, and strong base under alkali treatment conditions. The catalyst characterization techniques confirmed its improved physical and structural properties. The results of the characterization show that modified MCM-22 plays significant role in structure, acidity, and desilication. The experimental studies revealed that hierarchical catalyst was formed by organic species—hexamethyleneimine (HMI) and quaternary ammonium hydroxide (TPAOH), which raised the pH of the solution, thereby increased the solubility of silica in the presence of sodium hydroxide and created mesoporosity. MCM-22 and modified MCM-22 show vital role in catalytic selective glycerol dehydration.