Effect of aluminum on the morphological and textural properties of CuO–ZnO/H-Ferrierite

Hybrid catalysts containing CuO–ZnO or CuO–ZnO–Al2O3 as the metallic component and the zeolite H-ferrierite as support were prepared by both the coprecipitation–impregnation and coprecipitation–sedimentation methods. They were characterized by XRD, BET, and TEM. Aluminum was added to the metallic component, and the effects on the hybrid catalyst properties were studied. The metallic component blocked the zeolite micropore volume, and spaces were created between agglomerate particles of the first component, increasing mesopore volume. Aluminum introduction at a Cu/Zn/Al ratio of 55/30/15 favored the formation of hydrotalcite as a precursor to CuO/ZnO/Al2O3. In this case, small, highly dispersed particles of these oxides were obtained. In the coprecipitation–impregnation method, greater contact between the H-ferrierite zeolite and the metallic component was observed.