Experimental evidence for the enhanced cracking activity of n-heptane over steamed ZSM-5/mordenite composite zeolites

Catalytic cracking over the fresh and hydrothermally treated ZSM-5/mordenite (ZSM-5/MOR) catalysts was investigated by in situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The distributions of the products and reaction mechanisms were discussed. Additionally, the range of 3450-3850 cm^-1 in the IR spectra was deconvolved to distinguish the different hydroxyl groups located in the different positions of the catalysts. The strengths of acid sites were examined via temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD). Surface area and pore size distributions were also analyzed to confirm the structural changes of the catalyst sample during hydrothermal treatment. The characterization results, together with the mechanisms of catalytic cracking, indicate that the generation of mesopores causes the enhancement of the cracking activity on the hydrothermally treated catalyst. Finally, we suggest that H-form zeolites with the appropriate microporosity/mesoporosity ratio are favorable for the formation of propene.