Highly b-Axis-Oriented ZSM-5 Nanosheets for Catalytic Reforming of Cellulose Pyrolysis Volatiles

Catalytic pyrolysis as an important pathway for the production of sustainable chemicals and fuels from biomass. However, it is still a huge challenge to significantly improve the yield of light aromatics by adjusting the structure of ZSM-5 zeolite and to fully understand its catalytic mechanism. Here, the directional preparation of ZSM-5 nanosheets with controllable b-axis thickness was achieved by controlling the amount of silicalite-1 added during the hydrothermal synthesis process. Characterization results demonstrate that the reduction in b-axis thickness greatly enhances the mass transfer process of the zeolite while enhancing the accessibility of acidic sites, thereby promoting the catalytic conversion of biomass pyrolysis volatiles to aromatic. The yield of light aromatic hydrocarbons in bio-oil is substantial increased, the bio-oil of 20-NCZ5 had the highest aromatic content with a yield of 97.1% and a yield of 135 mg/g, achieving efficient catalytic upgrading of bio-oil. Highly b-axis-oriented ZSM-5 nanosheets provide a new approach for efficient biomass utilization. Furthermore, this zeolite holds promise for broader applications in the catalytic conversion of various energy sources.