Realizing of ZSM-5 Microspheres with Enhanced Catalytic Properties Prepared from Iron Ore Tailings Via Solid-Phase Conversion Method

The comprehensive utilization of iron ore tailings (IOTs) not only resolved environmental problems but also brought huge economic benefits. In this study, the synthetic route presented herein provides a novel method for the synthesis of ZSM-5 microspheres from IOTs. The effects of Si/Al molar ratios and the pH of the precursor solution on the formation of zeolite was evaluated by various analytical methods. The catalytic performance of the catalyst prepared by the solid-phase conversion method (denoted as MP-ZSM-5) was evaluated by methanol-to-propylene (MTP) reaction. Compared with the zeolite catalyst that synthesized via the conventional hydrothermal method (denoted as HM-ZSM-5), MP-ZSM-5 not only prolongs catalytic lifetime from 18.7 to 36.0 h but also has higher selectivity for propylene by MP-ZSM-5 (43.7