Abstract
In this work, mesostructured ZSM-5 zeolite was prepared using chitin as a new template to produce mesoporosity. Different amounts of chitin were used for the synthesis of ZSM-5 in order to verify its influence on the formation of mesopores. All samples were prepared by conventional hydrothermal process. For comparison purposes, ZSM-5 zeolite has also been synthesized without a presence of chitin. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption techniques. Experimental results showed that the mesopores volume of the obtained samples increased with increasing amount of chitin in the reaction mixture. Therefore, chitin showed to be a promising template for obtaining the ZSM-5 with mesoporous property.
Keywords:
mesoporous ZSM-5; synthesis; chitin
