Nano-Zeolite Coatings on Microlith Substrates for High Selectivity Chemical Reactions

72357S03-I The reduction of zeolite crystallite to nanoscale sizes increases observed catalytic activity due to the minimization of intracrystalline diffusion barriers. However, the resulting increase in the fraction of relatively non-selective catalytically active sites on the external faces of the zeolite crystallites can have negative consequences on desired product distributions. Therefore, the rapid transport of products away from these non-selective surfaces on these nanozeolites is desirable. This project will apply nanozeolite coatings to substrates with high heat and mass transport properties to provide higher selectivity for reactions of commercial interest. In Phase I, existing zeolite coating techniques will be modified so that nanozeolite materials can be applied onto high radius-of-curvature substrates. Two processes (selective disproportionation of toluene to p-xylene and the alkylation of benzene with ethylene to produce ethyl-benzene), both catalyzed by ZSM-5, will be demonstrated to illustrate the value of rapidly removing non-equilibrium products from the surface of nanozeolites. Phase II will involve the optimization, scale-up, and pilot-plant testing of the supported nanozeolite coatings. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The commercialization of nanozeolite coatings on substrates with high transport properties would be directed initially to the chemical processing industry and would represent a significant step in the exploitation of nanoscale materials for high value commercial applications.