Hierarchical Y and USY Zeolites Designed by Post-Synthetic Strategies

Strategic combinations of affordable and scalable post-synthetic modifications enabled to design a broad family of hierarchical Y and USY zeolites (FAU topology) independent on the Si/Al ratio. Pristine (Y, Si/Al = 2.4), steamed (USY, Si/Al = 2.6), and steamed and dealuminated (USY, Si/Al = 15 and 30) zeolites were exposed to a variety of acid (H4EDTA and Na2H2EDTA) and base (NaOH) treatments, which led to the introduction of mesopore surfaces up to 500 m2 g-1, while preserving the intrinsic zeolite properties. Pristine Y and USY zeolites (Si/Al similar to 2.5) required mild dealumination (to Si/Al > 4 in the case of Y) to facilitate subsequent efficient desilication. Alkaline treatment of Y and USY zeolites with low Si/Al ratios (similar to 46) led to an abundance of Al-rich debris, which could be removed by a subsequent mild acid wash. On the other hand, severely steamed and dealuminated, hence Si-rich, USY zeolites (Si/Al = 15 and 30) proved extremely sensitive to the alkaline solution, displaying facile dissolution and substantial amorphization. For the latter group of ultra-stable Y zeolites, the presence of TPA+ in the alkaline solution enables to protect the zeolite structures upon the introduction of mesoporosity by desilication, preserving crystallinity and micropore volume. The sorption and catalytic properties of the hierarchical Y and USY zeolites were superior compared to the conventional counterparts.