Facile synthesis and catalytic applications of micro-mesoporous molecular sieve ZK-1

A micro-mesoporous molecular sieve ZK-1 was synthesized at 170 °C by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The structure of ZK-1 can be controlled by the crystallization time. ZK-1(I), the KIT-1 containing ZSM-5 building units in the pore walls, is formed during 2–6 h. ZK-1(II), A mixture of ZSM-5 and KIT-1, is formed after 8 h. The framework structure, porosity, morphology and acidity of the obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption, X-ray fluorescence, NH3-temperature programmed desorption and 27Al Magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. The samples exhibit good steam stability and better catalytic performances in the isomerization of o-ethyltoluene than KIT-1, suggesting their promising applications in the conversion of large molecules.