Direct synthesis of three-dimensional MWW zeolite with cyclohexylamine as an organic structure-directing agent

MCM-49 zeolite with a three-dimensional MWW framework was directly synthesized using low-toxicity and cost-effective cyclohexylamine (CHA) as an organic structure-directing agent under hydrothermal conditions. Compared with the traditional hexamethyleneimine template, the interaction between CHA with the framework was weaker and more CHA molecules occupied the surface pockets and supercages of as-synthesized MCM-49 zeolite. The obtained sample showed good catalytic performance in the liquid phase alkylation reaction of benzene with ethylene.