Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of hierarchical TS-1 with carbon template from sucrose carbonization

A series of hierarchical porous TS-1 zeolites had been successfully synthesized using cheap tetrapropylammonium bromide as microporous template and carbon material from sucrose carbonization as mesoporous template. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-infrared spectroscopy, N2 physical adsorption–desorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The catalytic performances of the obtained materials were investigated via the oxidation of both small and bulky molecular sulfur compounds (thiophene and benzothiophene) using H2O2 as oxidant. The mesopores or macropores system is clearly demonstrated by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, scanning and transmission electron microscopy images. Moreover, the hierarchical pores correspond well with the framework structure of the carbon template trapped in TS-1 crystals, which confirms the template effect of the carbon material from sucrose carbonization. The reaction results show that hierarchical porous TS-1 zeolites not only give high removal rates of small molecular thiophene, but also exhibit high activities in oxidation of bulky benzothiophene, which are superior to TS-1.

Graphical abstractA low-price and versatile method by decomposition of sucrose into carbon template was used for hierarchical TS-1 synthesis. This method improved the interaction between carbon template and silica source, which was facile to enwrap the carbon template in the crystallization process of TS-1 zeolite.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Hierarchical TS-1 was synthesized using carbon template from sucrose carbonization. The hierarchical pores correspond with the framework of carbon template. The mesoporosity can be adjusted by changing the synthesis conditions. Hierarchical TS-1 shows higher catalytic activities than TS-1.