Insight into the Evolution Track for the Metathesis of Alkenes within Hierarchical Zeolite-Based Catalysts.

The usage of hierarchical MFI zeolite enables a boost of the catalytic performance of Mo-based catalysts for the olefin-metathesis reaction. The harvest of active catalysts roots in a segmental evolution track between hierarchical zeolite and Al O slices for the fabrication of active sites. The working evolution track requires the indispensable engagements from intracrystalline mesoporous surface, Al O slices, and zeolitic Brønsted acid sites. The infilling of disaggregated Al O slices into the intracrystalline mesopores triggers the creation of localized intrazeolite-Al O interfaces, which enables the subsequent migration and trapping of surface molybdates into the micropores. The insulation of intrazeolite-Al O interface or shielding of zeolitic Brønsted acid sites leads to the break of the evolution track. Our findings disclose the hidden functionality of mesoporosity as intrazeolite interface boundary for the fabrication of active sites and supply a new strategy for the rational design of zeolite catalysts.