Synthesis and catalytic cracking performance of Fe/Ti-ZSM-5 zeolite from attapulgite mineral

Fe/Ti-ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized successfully from treated attapulgite (ATP). This mineral consists of amorphous silica containing Fe and Ti species. X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy images, and nitrogen sorption isotherms indicate that the sample has a typical MFI structure, high crystallinity, and large specific surface area. Temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and H-2 temperature-programmed reduction indicates that the Fe/Ti-ZSM-5 zeolite is strongly acidic and has superior redox properties. More importantly, compared with conventional ZSM-5 zeolite, Fe/Ti-ZSM-5 performs well, resulting in an increase in yield of 0.21% propylene and 0.33% total light olefins in the catalytic cracking of Canadian LGO (light gas oil). These results suggest that the presence of Fe and Ti species in ZSM-5 zeolite is favorable for enhancing light olefin yields, which is potentially important for oil refining in the future. (C) 2013, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.