ZSM-5 synthesis by the assistance of biomass and biomass-derivate compounds

ZSM-5 zeolites with tailored properties were successfully synthesized in the presence of biomass-derivative compounds following conventional hydrothermal route. The strategy consisted of introducing, along with silica and alumina precursors, either sugar cane bagasse itself or biomass-derivate compounds obtained by hydrolysis of the sugar cane. As-prepared ZSM-5 catalysts were thoroughly characterized by XRD, XRF, SEM, nitrogen sorption and H/D isotope exchange techniques. The catalysts were evaluated both in the cracking of n-hexane and the methanol conversion into hydrocarbons. Our approach yielded solely ZSM-5 phase with broad differences in their intrinsic properties: external surface area (between 51 and 153 m(2) g(-1)); 8 < Si/Al < 29, thus leading up to high Brgnsted acid sites density; crystal size (from 0.3 to 13 mu m) and peculiar morphologies. The high Al-content ZSM-5 led to achieve the higher n-hexane cracking activity. The ZSM-5 with the highest external area and higher Si/Al (SAR) converted methanol mainly into light olefins, whilst, the ZSM-5 material with the lower external area and lower SAR yielded gasoline formation.