Synthesis and catalytic properties of hierarchical micro/mesoporous materials based on FER zeolite

Hierarchical zeolitic catalysts with varying ratios of micro- and mesoporosity were prepared by recrystallization of ferrierite (FER) in alkaline solution in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPD-NH3, FT-IR, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, SEM, TEM. The influence of alkali concentration on the distribution of micro- and mesopores is discussed. The recrystallization process led to a significant increase of accessibility of the acid sites, together with a decrease of the total acidity. The catalytic properties were investigated in 1-butene isomerization. All recrystallized materials showed improved catalytic activity and selectivity in isomerization.

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► Micro/mesoporous catalysts were prepared by recrystallization of ferrierite.
► The degree of recrystallization was controlled by alkali concentration.
► A significant increase of acid sites accessibility was observed.
► New materials showed improved catalytic activity in n-butene isomerization.