One-Step Synthesis of Hierarchical ZSM-5 Using Cetyltrimethylammonium as Mesoporogen and Structure-Directing Agent

Hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite is hydrothermally synthesized in a single step with cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) hydroxide acting as mesoporogen and structure-directing agent. Essential to this synthesis is the replacement of NaOH with KOH. An in-depth solid-state NMR study reveals that, after early electrostatic interaction between condensed silica and the head group of CTA, ZSM-5 crystallizes around the structure-directing agent. The crucial aspect of using KOH instead of NaOH lies in the faster dissolution of silica, thereby providing sufficient nutrients for zeolite nucleation. The hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite contains mesopores and shows excellent catalytic performance in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons reaction.