Characterization of acidic zeolite catalysts by thermodesorption and cracking of n-nonane

► Combined thermodesorption and cracking of nonane on acidic zeolites was studied. ► Cracking activity depends both on acidity of zeolites and on their pore size. ► Molecules desorbing from the micropores are cracked on highly acidic zeolites. ► Coking of zeolites correlates with the decrease of the micropore volume.