posted on 2023-06-06, 15:08authored byPavel
A. Kots, Panagiota A. Doika, Brandon C. Vance, Sean Najmi, Dionisios G. Vlachos
We
investigate the hydrocracking of high-density polyethylene using
a bifunctional Pt/Al2O3 and modified mordenite
acid catalyst. Mass transport limitations impact polymer diffusion
into the mordenite pore complex. Initial reaction intermediates are
formed on the zeolite’s outer surface. Intercrystallite open-end
mesopores improve the diffusion of reaction intermediates deeper into
the crystal. Recrystallization and desilication of mordenite lead
to a higher polymer conversion and shift the product distribution
maximum from pentanes to hexanes and heptanes. The nature of mesopores
(occluded or open) and total Brønsted acidity significantly impact
zeolite activity and selectivity.