Hydrocracking catalysts based on hierarchical zeolites: A recent progress

Consequent to the foreseeable depletion of the light crude oil reserves, the heavier hydrocarbon chains would be the focus of the global energy industry. The hydrocracking of vacuum gas oil (VGO) and demetallized oil (DMO) components of the heavy oil presents a promising factor for the global energy future. Catalytically, the hierarchical zeolites are prospective reaction systems been considered. In addition to new routes for the catalyst synthesis, the paper encompassed technological challenges, mechanisms involved, role of catalyst modification, diffusional characteristics and the deactivation parameters associated with the overall process. Areas requiring further investigations were also discussed. (C) 2018 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.