Synthesis of supported ZSM-5 nanoparticles

The influence of the support on the nucleation of ZSM-5 nanoparticles has been studied for three supports: γ-alumina, zirconia and carbon nanotubes (CNT). While zeolite nucleation was suppressed in presence of alumina and strongly delayed in presence of zirconia, it occurred without delay in presence of CNT. These differences are explained by the partial dissolution of the support (for alumina and zirconia supports) that modify the composition of the zeolite nucleation solution. For the CNT/zeolite sample, the obtained composite contains about 60 wt% of zeolite and develops a surface area of 776 m2 g−1.