Nanostructured MFI-type zeolites as catalysts in glycerol etherification with tert-butyl alcohol

•Nanostructured MFI zeolites with different morphology were prepared using the same SDA.•Hierarchical zeolites were more active in glycerol etherification with tert-butanol.•TTGB selectivity of 10% was obtained using unilamelar nanosheet MFI zeolite.

Hierarchical zeolite possessing MFI framework type was hydrothermally prepared using C22H45 − N+(CH3)2 − C6H12 − N+(CH3)2 − C6H13 as a structure-directing agent in a seed-assisted synthesis method. The nanosponge-like morphology was composed of a three-dimensional disordered network of MFI layers with 2.5 nm thickness supporting each other. Catalytic performance of the MFI nanosponge was investigated in glycerol etherification with tert-butyl alcohol in liquid phase and compared to conventional microporous MFI zeolite and MFI unilamelar nanosheet. The hierarchical zeolites were much more active, which can be attributed to the acid sites located on the external surfaces accessible for the reaction of bulky reactants.

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