Hierarchical pore ZSM-5 zeolite structures: From micro- to macro-engineering of structured catalysts

Zeolite crystals coated on mesoporous glass materials with hierarchical tri-modal pore size distributions have been successfully prepared and characterized. Starting glass monoliths, having regular meso- and macro-pores, were partly re-constructed into zeolite material, thus introducing additional microporosity via the growth of these zeolite crystals.Hierarchical 3D porous glass scaffolds were prepared by a combination of sol–gel, double polymer templating, and rapid prototyping (RP) techniques. Structured zeolitic catalytic materials were produced by conventional self-assembly of template cations and silica species on the glass surface. Zeolite crystals are therefore in an intimate contact with the glass support, featuring micropores in addition to the mesopores.A higher catalytic performance and selectivity toward low alkenes were achieved in n-hexane cracking reaction over these zeolite/glass composites in comparison with purely microporous zeolite materials.