Catalytic studies with dealuminated Y zeolite. Part 1.—Catalyst characterisation and the disproportionation of ethylbenzene

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Abstract
A series of highly crystalline, hydrothermally dealuminated Y zeolites has been prepared and further modified by extracting non-framework aluminium with Na2H2EDTA. The zeolites were comprehensively characterised using chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, mid-infrared spectroscopy, 27Al magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al MAS NMR), analysis of N2 adsorption isotherms and temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 to determined acid site concentrations. It is shown that aluminium from the framework resides in the micropores and freshly developed mesopores in a number of forms. Aluminium extraction with Na2H2EDTA increases both the pore volumes and the concentration of Brønsted acid sites, but leaves an average of five charge-balancing Al atoms per unit cell. Catalytic studies of ethylbenzene disportionation at 473 K show that Brønsted acid sites are the seat of an activity which increases following Na2H2EDTA extraction. There is evidence, however, for a synergistic interaction between Brønsted acid sites and extrastructural hydroxo-aluminium species in unextracted catalysts to yield sites of higher activity than in extracted catalysts. The reaction is believed to proceed by a dealkylation/alkylation mechanism which accounts for minor yields of ethene, which is held responsible for coke formation and catalyst deactivation.