Optimization of hierarchical ZSM-5 structure from kaolin as catalysts for biofuel production
Dina Kartika Maharani, Yuly Kusumawati, Widiya Nur Safitri, Reva Edra Nugraha, Holilah Holilah, Novia Amalia Sholeha, Aishah Abdul Jalil, Hasliza Bahruji, Didik Prasetyoko
Abstract
-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a mesoporogen was monitored to understand the effect towards pore formation. Amorphous aluminosilicate without the framework-bound TPAOH achieved within 1.5 h of hydrothermal treatment provides flexibility to incorporate CTAB for forming well-defined mesoporous structures. Further incorporation of TPAOH within the restrained ZSM-5 framework reduces the flexibility of aluminosilicate gel to interact with CTAB to form mesopores. The optimized hierarchical ZSM-5 was obtained by allowing hydrothermal condensation at 3 h, in which the synergy between the readily formed ZSM-5 crystallites and the amorphous aluminosilicate generates the proximity between micropores and mesopores. A high acidity and micro/mesoporous synergy obtained after 3 h exhibit 71.6% diesel hydrocarbon selectivity because of the improved diffusion of reactant within the hierarchical structures.