(269d) Multi-Faceted Approach to Optimize ZSM-11 Catalysts for Methanol-to-Hydrocarbon Reactions

ZSM-11 (MEL) is an emerging catalyst for a wide variety of applications. The MEL framework is very similar to ZSM-5 (MFI), which is one of the most widely used zeolite catalysts in industry. Recent studies have shown that ZSM-11 has better catalytic performance in several different reactions compared to ZSM-5 [1-3], possibly due to improved intra-crystalline diffusion within the less-tortuous straight channels of the MEL topology; however, there are relatively few systematic studies of ZSM-11 synthesis, specifically with respect to tailored physicochemical properties such as size, shape, and Si/Al ratio (SAR). Here, we will present a systematic study of ZSM-11 catalyst preparation and testing for C₁upgrading reactions. Through the judicious selection of synthesis parameters, we successfully developed a facile protocol to generate a library of ZSM-11 catalysts with tunable physicochemical properties (e.g., size, shape, and SAR). These methods for tailoring zeolite crystallization will be discussed along with catalytic studies of methanol-to-hydrocarbon (MTH) reactions. Collectively, our findings are part of a broader initiative to establish quantitative structure-performance relationships as a platform for optimizing zeolite catalysts.

[1] Kustova, M. Y.; Rasmussen, S. B.; Kustov, A. L.; Christensen, C. H., Applied Catalysis B-Environmental 2006, 67 (1-2), 60-67.

[2] Zhang, L.; Liu, H.; Li, X.; Xie, S.; Wang, Y.; Xin, W.; Liu, S.; Xu, L., Fuel Processing Technology 2010, 91 (5), 449-455.

[3] Bleken, F.; Skistad, W.; Barbera, K.; Kustova, M.; Bordiga, S.; Beato, P.; Lillerud, K. P.; Svelle, S.; Olsbye, U., Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2011, 13 (7), 2539-2549.