Evaluation of the Properties of ZSM-5 Type Zeolites Modified with Ce.sub.xMg.sub.1-xAl.sub.2O.sub.4 Nanopowders in the Toluene Disproportionation Reaction

The effect of Ce.sub.xMg.sub.1-xAl.sub.2O.sub.4 spinel nanopowders on the textural, acidic, and catalytic properties displayed by HZSM-5 zeolite in the toluene disproportionation reaction was examined. Modification with Ce.sub.xMg.sub.1-xAl.sub.2O.sub.4 nanopowders caused a decrease in the concentration of strong protonic sites, formation of new stronger aprotonic sites, and a decrease in the pore volume of HZSM-5, thereby creating more steric hindrance to diffusion of o- and m-xylenes and enhancing para-selectivity of the catalyst. The possibility of achieving high p-xylene selectivity of 65.7-77.3% via toluene disproportionation over the optimal 5% Сe.sub.0.1Mg.sub.0.9Al.sub.2O.sub.4/HZSM-5 catalyst at toluene conversion of 20.3-29.7% was demonstrated.