Alkylation of toluene with methanol over zeolitedisc catalyst synthesized via solid-state reactions Original Research Article

ZSM-5 zeolite disc was synthesized by a new method in which reactions occurred in the solid state. The hydrogen form of the zeolite was prepared by ion-exchange of the sodium ions of the disc-shaped pellet for hydrogen ions in hydrochloric acid solution. The catalyst thus prepared was characterized by SEM, thermogravimetry, nitrogen adsorption and ammonia TPD. High para-xylene selectivity was observed for the new, disc-shaped ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst in the alkylation of toluene with methanol. This feature was attributed to the inherent character of the catalyst, since its structure consisted of intergrown individual HZSM-5 crystals forming secondary mesopores. This structural arrangement led to a substantial decrease in the outer surface between the adjacent crystals, the probability of secondary reactions therefore being suppressed.