Synthesis and catalytic properties of hierarchical micro/mesoporous materials based on FER zeolite

[Display omitted] ► Micro/mesoporous catalysts were prepared by recrystallization of ferrierite. ► The degree of recrystallization was controlled by alkali concentration. ► A significant increase of acid sites accessibility was observed. ► New materials showed improved catalytic activity in n-butene isomerization. Hierarchical zeolitic catalysts with varying ratios of micro- and mesoporosity were prepared by recrystallization of ferrierite (FER) in alkaline solution in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPD-NH 3, FT-IR, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, SEM, TEM. The influence of alkali concentration on the distribution of micro- and mesopores is discussed. The recrystallization process led to a significant increase of accessibility of the acid sites, together with a decrease of the total acidity. The catalytic properties were investigated in 1-butene isomerization. All recrystallized materials showed improved catalytic activity and selectivity in isomerization.