Evaluation of the Properties of ZSM-5 Type Zeolites Modified with CexMg1–xAl2O4 Nanopowders in the Toluene Disproportionation Reaction

The effect of Ce x Mg 1– x Al 2 O 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 x Mg 1– x Al 2 O 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 0.1 Mg 0.9 Al 2 O 4 /HZSM-5 catalyst at toluene conversion of 20.3–29.7% was demonstrated.