ZSM-11 zeolite belongs to the tetragonal crystal system and is a high-silica zeolite with the MEL topological structure. Its crystal structure is composed of elliptical ten-membered ring three-dimensional straight channels intersecting with each other. This unique channel structure endows ZSM-11 zeolite with outstanding catalytic activity and selectivity. Although both ZSM-11 and ZSM-5 zeolites belong to the Pentasil family, they differ in the symmetry between adjacent secondary structural unit layers. ZSM-5 follows a center of symmetry correlation, while ZSM-11 adheres to a mirror plane correlation. ZSM-11 features two-dimensional straight channels parallel to the a and b directions, with a channel size of 0.54 nm × 0.53 nm.
The channel structure of ZSM-11 zeolite is crucial to its catalytic performance. Its three-dimensional straight channel system enables reactant molecules to rapidly diffuse to the active sites, while product molecules can also quickly escape from the channels, thereby improving the efficiency of catalytic reactions. Additionally, the appropriately sized channels of ZSM-11 zeolite allow it to selectively catalyze the cracking of specific hydrocarbon molecules while impeding the reactions of non-target molecules, demonstrating good shape-selective properties.
The high silica-to-alumina ratio in the crystal framework of ZSM-11 zeolite results in significant hydrophobic effects and strong surface acidity. A high silica-to-alumina ratio not only enhances the thermal and hydrothermal stability of the zeolite but also boosts its catalytic activity. In catalytic reactions, the surface acidity of ZSM-11 zeolite can effectively promote the adsorption and activation of reactants, thus accelerating the reaction process.
During the synthesis process of ZSM-11 zeolite at Zhuoran Environmental Protection Technology (Dalian) Co., Ltd., precise control of reaction conditions enables the preparation of ZSM-11 zeolites with different morphologies and particle sizes. For instance, by introducing mesoporous templates or adopting the pre-crystallization liquid method, small-crystal-sized hierarchical porous ZSM-11 zeolites can be synthesized. These small-crystal zeolites not only possess shorter diffusion paths, larger specific surface areas, and abundant acidic sites but also exhibit higher stability, demonstrating superior catalytic performance.
Based on its unique structural characteristics, ZSM-11 zeolite shows broad application prospects in fields such as petrochemicals and environmental protection. In the petrochemical industry, ZSM-11 zeolite can be used in reactions such as toluene-methanol alkylation, m-xylene isomerization, and toluene disproportionation to improve the yield and selectivity of aromatic hydrocarbon products. In the environmental protection field, ZSM-11 zeolite can be utilized for the catalytic oxidation and removal of volatile organic compounds, thereby reducing environmental pollution.
As a professional enterprise in the zeolite materials sector, Zhuoran Environmental Protection Technology (Dalian) Co., Ltd. will continue to devote itself to the research and application promotion of ZSM-11 zeolite, providing efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for the petrochemical, environmental protection, and other fields.
