Synthesis of novel hierarchical ZSM-5 monoliths and their application in trichloroethylene removal

A self-supporting ZSM-5 monolith with a hierarchical porosity was prepared using polyurethane foam (PUF) as a structural template and a hydrothermal synthesis procedure. The synthesized monolith was characterized and investigated towards the adsorption and catalytic oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE). Adsorption of TCE was studied gravimetrically and oxidation of TCE was studied using a vapor-phase down-flow reactor. Monolithic ZSM-5 displayed good sorption properties and completely oxidized TCE. Conversion levels of 50% and 90% were achieved at reduced temperatures (by ∼50 °C) when compared with the conversion temperatures obtained from the powder counterparts. Besides the activity of the monolith towards TCE adsorption and oxidation, it was stable and enhanced diffusion, thereby reducing pressure drops to a great extent owing to its hierarchical porous nature. An open-cell polyurethane foam template is combined with a zeolite synthesis process to produce ZSM-5 zeolite monoliths that are catalytically active towards the oxidation of trichloroethylene.