Insights on a Hierarchical MFI Zeolite: A Combined Spectroscopic and Catalytic Approach for Exploring the Multilevel Porous System Down to the Active Sites

-decane were the toolbox for disclosing how the MFI lattice takes part in the hierarchical structure and how it, working in synergy with the mesoporous system, confers to this material a totally new shape-size selectivity. Merging the information obtained for the synthesized hierarchical zeolite with the characterization results of two reference materials (a mesoporous aluminum-containing MCM-41 and a microporous commercial ZSM-5), it was possible to define an internal and external map of the pore network of this complex and unique molecular sieve, where strong Brønsted acidic sites are located at the mouth of the MFI micropores and, at the same time, exposed at the surface of the mesoporous channels. Hence, the possibility of easily releasing bulky products is ensured and the application possibilities of the MFI lattice are expanded beyond cracking reactions.