Thidarat Kunawong. Synthesis of nanosized zeolite beta for plastic conversion to gasoline. Master's Degree(Chemistry). Chulalongkorn University. Center of Academic Resources. : Chulalongkorn University, 2007.
Synthesis of nanosized zeolite beta for plastic conversion to gasoline
Abstract:
Nanosized zeolite beta was synthesized from a freshly prepared silica xerogel mixed with aluminium isopropoxide and a solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide, followed by hydrothermal crystallization at 135C for various periods. The influence of ultrasound irradiation during the gel formation step on physico-chemical and catalytic properties of zeolite beta were investigated. The effects of different parameters: ultrasound irradiation periods, crystallization time and the Si/Al ratios in gel were also studied in comparison with zeolite beta prepared without ultrasound irradiation. The zeolite beta samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ICP-AES, 27Al-MAS-NMR, nitrogen adsorption and ammonia temperature programmed desorption techniques. Pure zeolite beta can be synthesized with employing ultrasound radiation after crystallization for only 16 h. Application of ultrasound radiation did not affect the structures but had significant effect on particle size of zeolite beta. Ultrasound irradiation caused not only yield of zeolite beta increased but also more aluminum incorporated into the tetrahedral framework position resulting in higher acidity. The catalytic property of synthesized zeolite beta was investigated in polypropylene and high density polyethylene catalytic cracking under different conditions. The cracking of high density polyethylene is more difficult than that of polypropylene. When zeolite beta was used as catalyst, the conversions of both plastics are greatly more than that in the absence of catalyst. The plastic conversions and yields of liquid products depend on the cracking temperature and the plastic to catalyst ratio. Nevertheless, the Si/Al ratios in catalyst in the range from 40 to 80 do not affect plastic conversions and product yields. Application of ultrasound radiation to the sample with the low Si/Al ratio of 20 provides the highest conversion as well as liquid product yield due to the highest acidity of the catalyst. The product selectivity is affected slightly. The gas products obtained by polypropylene and high density polyethylene cracking are mainly propene, i-butene and C5+. The liquid products obtained by cracking of both types of plastic are mainly in the boiling point range from C6 to C9. The used catalyst can be regenerated easily by simple calcinations and its activity still does not change significantly.