A Remarkable Catalytic Activity of Hierarchical Zeolite (ZH-5) for Tertiary Butylation of Phenol with Enhanced 2,4-Di-t-Butylphenol Selectivity

Abstract

Hierarchical zeolites with the ordered arrangement at the nanoscopic level are of paramount importance in catalysis owing to their remarkable properties. Nevertheless, architecting such structures is extremely difficult owing to their challenging synthesis conditions. In this study, we report a designed synthesis of such a material with MFI topology viz., hierarchical nanoporous ZSM-5 (designated as ZH-5) with unique serrated morphologies. The synthetic approach was envisaged by considering the stable supramolecular aggregation, controlled zeolitization and strong organosilane interactions as the key factors for the hierarchical organization. Furthermore, for the first time, we emphasize the effect of dual-templating nature of organosilanes in stabilizing the crystalline mesophase for the development of a hierarchical pore-architecture. In addition, the catalysts have shown remarkable catalytic activities for the formation of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol.