Stabilizing Low-Silica Zeolites through Aluminum Sulfate Assisted Cannibalistic Dealumination

A versatile dealumination strategy was proposed to stabilize low-silica zeolites through cannibalistic interaction between the host framework Al (FAL) and the guest aluminum salt. It is possible to capture selectively the FAL and Na ions in NaY zeolite by employing a special external Al source such as aluminum sulfate as the dealuminating agent. This unique postmodification reduces the FAL amount efficiently and converts the chemically reacted Al species into a γ-alumina support for the catalytically active component of zeolite, which avoids wasting Al sources. Possessing greatly enhanced hydrothermal stability, newly generated intracrystal mesopores, as well as an optimized distribution of FAL, the resultant dealuminated Y zeolite catalysts can be used practically in heavy oil cracking.