The miracle role of lattice imperfections in benzene alkylation with methanol over mordenite

Mordenite (MOR) has demonstrated potential as a catalyst for alkylation due to high variability, intrinsic porosity, and outstanding stability. However, the contact probability of benzene and methanol has been limited by typical layered structures of MOR and there is no connection between layers. Here, we report the preparedness of H‐MOR via a sequential post‐treatment method based on a commercial MOR. H‐MOR sample had appeared lattice imperfections inferred from characterization means. The samples were tested with benezene methylation reaction. Results show that the high conversion of benzene and the high selectivity of toluene were obtained from the miracle role of lattice imperfections in the H‐MOR sample. Sequentially, based on the study of all catalyst structure and physical properties, a plausible reaction mechanism for the selectivity of the desired toluene was proposed. The contact probability of benzene and methanol has been limited due to typical layered structures of mordenite (MOR) and there is no connection between layers. Here, in the H‐MOR sample appears lattice imperfections inferred from characterization means. Results show that the high conversion of benzene and the high selectivity of toluene were obtained from the miracle role of lattice imperfections in H‐MOR sample.