Here is a detailed overview of the industrial applications of ZSM-5 molecular sieve in English:

1. Petroleum Refining and Petrochemical Production

• Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Enhancement
  ZSM-5 is widely used as an additive in FCC catalysts to improve gasoline quality. Its unique pore structure and acidity promote isomerization and aromatization reactions, increasing the octane number of gasoline while reducing the production of less valuable light olefins.
  • Example: ZSM-5 additives are employed in refineries to meet stringent gasoline specifications (e.g., reducing benzene content).
• Methanol-to-Gasoline (MTG) Process
  ZSM-5 serves as the primary catalyst for converting methanol into high-octane gasoline. The zeolite's shape-selective properties favor the formation of branched hydrocarbons (C₅–C₁₂) while suppressing heavy tar formation.
  • Industrial Case: The Mobil MTG process, commercialized in the 1980s, relies on ZSM-5 for gasoline production from coal- or biomass-derived methanol.
• Methanol-to-Propylene (MTP) and Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO)
  ZSM-5 is a key catalyst in MTP/MTO processes, converting methanol into propylene or light olefins (C₂–C₄). Its microporous structure restricts the diffusion of larger molecules, enhancing propylene selectivity.
  • Application: Lurgi’s MTP technology uses ZSM-5 to produce propylene for polypropylene manufacturing.

2. Fine Chemical Synthesis

• Aromatics Alkylation
  ZSM-5 catalyzes the alkylation of benzene with ethylene/propylene to produce ethylbenzene (for styrene) or cumene (for phenol/acetone). Its strong Brønsted acidity ensures high activity and selectivity.
  • Example: UOP’s Q-Max process uses ZSM-5 for cumene production with minimal byproducts.
• Paraxylene Production
  In the xylene isomerization process, ZSM-5’s pore size (≈0.55 nm) restricts the diffusion of ortho- and meta-xylene, favoring paraxylene formation.
  • Industrial Use: ZSM-5 is integral to processes like Mobil’s MTPX and UOP’s Isomar for paraxylene-rich product streams.
• BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) Production
  ZSM-5 catalyzes the conversion of low-value C₅–C₇ hydrocarbons into BTX aromatics via cracking and aromatization, improving refinery profitability.

3. Environmental Remediation

• Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Adsorption
  ZSM-5’s high surface area and hydrophobicity enable efficient adsorption of VOCs (e.g., benzene, toluene) from industrial exhaust streams.
  • Application: Used in air purification systems for chemical plants and refineries.
• NOx Reduction
  Modified ZSM-5 (e.g., with Cu or Fe ions) acts as a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst for NOx abatement in flue gas, converting NOx into N₂ and H₂O.
  • Example: ZSM-5-based SCR catalysts are deployed in power plants and diesel engines.
• CO₂ Capture
  Amine-functionalized ZSM-5 shows promise for post-combustion CO₂ capture due to its high CO₂/N₂ selectivity and thermal stability.

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