Catalytic pyrolysis of oleic acid to BTX over Ni-modified nano-ZSM-5 zeolite

Hierarchical zeolites can provide multidimensional spatial networks, thereby holding significant potential as catalysts for BTX production from biomass pyrolysis. In this study, nano-ZSM-5 zeolite (Z X-X ) with a hierarchical pore structure was synthesized using glycine as a growth inhibitor. Due to the exceptional ability of Ni to cleave C–C and C–H bonds, Ni modification was performed on the Z 30-0.2 catalyst. The effects of glycine and Ni loading on the morphology and pore structure of the zeolites were systematically investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N 2 adsorption–desorption. The results demonstrated that the particle size of 10 wt% Ni-Z 30-0.2 zeolite ranged from 200 to 300 nm, with a BET surface area of 314 m 2 /g and abundant mesopores. The NH 3 -TPD results showed that the acid amount of 10 wt% Ni-Z 30-0.2 was 0.72 mmol/g. The prepared zeolite was employed in a fixed-bed reactor to catalyze the pyrolysis of oleic acid for the production of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). The introduction of metal Ni significantly enhanced the BTX yield. At 500 ℃, the average BTX yield achieved with the 10 wt% Ni-Z 30-0.2 catalyst was 19.4 wt%, which was higher than that of the zeolite without Ni loading.