In-situ synthesis and catalytic activity of ZSM-5 zeolite

ZSM-5 zeolite has been hydrothermally synthesized in-situ on the external surface of calcined kaolinite in the presence of n-butylamine. This supported zeolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and N2 adsorption. Several synthesis variables were systematically investigated, including SiO2 to Al2O3 ratio, pH, crystallization time, and crystallization temperature. After mixing the ZSM-5 with a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst, catalytic performance was evaluated by cracking vacuum gas oil (VGO) in a micro-fixed bed reactor. ZSM-5 addition was favorable for the production of light olefins by catalytic cracking of VGO.