Shape Selective Pillared Clay Catalysts for P-Xylene Production

Catalytic alkylation of toluene with methanol was carried out over Zr- Cr- and Co- pillared clay catalysts in a catalytic flow system operated under atmospheric pressure at a temperature range of 250-450oC. The pillared clay catalysts were prepared via sonication technique. Results indicated that the pillaring of montmorilonitic clay material with polyoxy-metalic cations (Zr- Cr- and Co-) improves the texture properties and thermal stability of the obtained catalysts. The Co-PILC catalyst is the most active and selective catalyst towards p-xylene formation, i.e. Co-PILC catalyst is a shape selective for p-xylene formation.