Rapid synthesis of hierarchical SSZ-13 zeolite microspheres via a fluoride-assisted in situ growth route using aluminum isopropoxide as aluminum source.

Hierarchical SSZ-13 zeolite microspheres were quickly synthesized by adding a small quantity of hydrofluoric acid in the starting gel using aluminum isopropoxide as aluminum source. The as-synthesized hierarchical SSZ-13 crystals with high crystallinity, pore volume and external surface area were obtained within 12 h, whereas a much longer time (144 h) was necessary to synthesize a fully crystalline zeolite in a fluorine free system. The obtained hierarchical SSZ-13 catalysts showed excellent MTO performance together with considerably prolonged catalytic lifetime and improved selectivity of light olefins in comparison with the conventional microporous SSZ-13.