HY Zeolite Modified by Liquid Silane Deposition and Its Catalytic Activity in Selective tert-Butylation of Naphthalene

HY zeolites were modified by chemical liquid deposition with i-C4H9Si(OC2H5)3, followed by hydrothermal treatment. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption and pulse mass analysis to investigate the influence on framework structure, specific surface area, pore diameter and adsorption behaviors. The catalytic performances of HY zeolite and the modified samples in the alkylation of naphthalene with tert-butyl alcohol were also evaluated. The results showed the modification of HY zeolite did not change framework structure but increased specific surface area, decreased average pore diameter, and reduced the size of pore opening. Catalytic activity of the modified HY zeolite catalyst for tert-butylation of naphthalene was decreased compared with that of HY zeolite catalyst while shape-selectivity of 2,6-di-tert-butylnaphthalene (2,6-DTBN) was increased obviously, the highest 2,6-DTBN/2,7-DTBN ratio of 6.62 obtained.