Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of hierarchical ZSM-5 templated by carboxymethyl cellulose

Hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite has been successfully synthesized using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a mesotemplate. The synthesized samples were characterized by using XRD, FT-IR, Al-NMR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, TG, N2 adsorption–desorption and NH3-TPD. They exhibited characteristic MFI structure, which was confirmed by XRD and FT-IR analysis. 27Al MAS NMR spectra indicated the presence of tetrahedral co-ordinated Al in the hierarchical zeolite. SEM and TEM images of the sample showed significant mesoporosity. The N2 adsorption/desorption results supported the presence of mesopores. Catalytic activity of the prepared mesoporous ZSM-5 for the acetalization of cyclohexanone with methanol was examined. The effects of molar ratio, catalyst amount and time on cyclohexanone conversion were studied. It has been found that the catalytic activity of mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst is superior to that of the conventional zeolite for the acetalization of cyclohexanone with methanol. [Display omitted] •Ecofriendly and cheap polymer templated (CMC) synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite.•The synthesised sample possesses meso and microporous structure.•The modified sample showing superior catalytic activity for acetalization reaction.