Catalytic cracking of C5 raffinate to light olefins over NaOH-treated ZSM-5

A series of ZSM-5 catalysts (ZSM-5 (X)) treated with different NaOH concentration (X = 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 M) were prepared for use in the production of light olefins (ethylene and propylene) through catalytic cracking of C-5 raffinate. The effect of NaOH concentration on their physicochemical properties and catalytic activity was investigated. It was found that textural and physicochemical properties of ZSM-5 (X) catalysts were strongly influenced by the NaOH concentration. Mesopore volume of ZSM-5 (X) catalysts increased with increasing NaOH concentration, while acidity of the catalysts decreased with increasing NaOH concentration. Conversion of C-5 raffinate and yield for light olefins (ethylene and propylene) showed the volcano-shaped curves with respect to NaOH concentration (X). This implies that NaOH treatment of ZSM-5 was an efficient method to produce light olefins through catalytic cracking C-5 raffinate, and that optimal NaOH concentration was required for maximum production of light olefins. Among the catalysts tested, ZSM-5 (0.05) catalyst showed the best catalytic performance due to its favorable porosity and acidity.