An efficient microwave-assisted chelation (MWAC) post-synthetic modification method to produce hierarchical Y zeolites

We report a low-cost, highly energy efficient microwave-assisted chelation (MWAC) method, which enabled the post-synthetic modification of synthetic zeolites for adopting hierarchical structures within minutes. Exemplified by Zeolite Y, hierarchical Y zeolites prepared in this way showed exceptional specific external surface areas of >300 m(2) g(-1) and mesopore volumes of >0.46 cm(3) g(-1). Comparative assessments revealed that developed zeolites have shown significantly improved catalytic activities for catalysis involving large substrates, such as catalytic cracking and hydrocracking of plastics.

Automated summary

A low-cost and highly energy efficient microwave-assisted chelation method was developed for the post-synthetic modification of synthetic zeolites, leading to the formation of hierarchical structures within minutes. The hierarchical Y zeolites prepared using this method exhibited exceptional specific external surface areas and mesopore volumes, showing significantly improved catalytic activities in reactions involving large substrates like catalytic cracking and hydrocracking of plastics.