Selective skeletal isomerization of 1-butene over FER-type zeolites derived from PLS-3 lamellar precursors

Layered aluminosilicates of PLS-3 were hydrothermally synthesized and employed as the catalysts for the skeletal isomerization of 1-butene. PLS-3 lamellar precursors were successfully prepared at different Si/Al ratios (40–∞) using layered silicate H-kanemite as silica source and tetramethylammonium hydroxide as structure directing agent. A direct calcination caused an interlayer dehydration condensation, converting the precursors into 3-dimensional FER structure with an intersecting micropore system of 8 × 10-membered rings. The physicochemical properties of the Al-PLS-3 materials thus prepared were characterized by various techniques. Their catalytic properties in the skeletal isomerization of 1-butene has been investigated and compared with conventional ferrierite. Al-PLS-3 synthesized at Si/Al = 50 exhibited the same catalytic reactivity as commercial ferrierite. However, possessing smaller crystal size, Al-PLS-3 possessed a much longer catalytic duration against coke formation.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (239 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Al-PLS-3 zeolites with the FER topology are derived from lamellar precursors.
► Al-PLS-3 zeolites possess a relatively small crystal size of 50–150 nm.
► Al-PLS-3 zeolites have a tunable Si/Al ratio of 40–∞.
► Al-PLS-3 serves as an active and selective catalyst in the 1-butene skeletal isomerization.
► Al-PLS-3 proves to be more durable than commercial ferrierite catalyst.