(196b) Evaluating Catalytic Activity for Hierarchical Beta Zeolites: The Effect of Mesopore Configuration and Synthetic Strategy

Hierarchical zeolites can be synthesized by a variety of strategies, each of which results in the creation of mesoporosity with different configurations (i.e. inter-crystalline or intra-crystalline) in addition to some unique pore properties that are oftentimes characteristic to specific synthetic routes. In this talk, the catalytic activity of hierarchical beta zeolites is evaluated in the cracking of cumene due to the great potential of beta zeolites in refinery and petrochemical conversions. Hierarchical beta zeolites are synthesized via four different routes, including top-down organotemplate-free hydrothermal desilication, bottom-up organosilane-based strategy, hard-template method, and mesoporous-template-free nanoaggregation. Framed by the distinct pore features intrinsic to these zeolites, the discussion will be dedicated to understanding the effect of mesopore configuration and synthetic strategy on catalytic activity, as well as to exploring the merits of (or lack of) mesoporosity in using hierarchical zeolites.