Disproportionation of Toluene on Monoliths Washcoated with Metal Oxide Modified ZSM5

Monoliths washcoated with ZSM5 and metal oxide (MgO, CaO, La(2)O(3) or CeO(2)) modified ZSM5 were prepared, characterized and studied for toluene disproportionation. An improvement in the yield of the desired p-xylene isomer was obtained by using monoliths coated with metal oxide-modified ZSM5. The enhancement in p-xylene yield depended on the type of modifier, metal loading and the washcoat thickness on the monolith. The 10% LaZSM5 coated monolith having an average washcoat thickness of 23 mu m showed the highest p-xylene yield.