Microparticle HZSM-5 zeolite as highly active catalyst for the hydration of cyclohexene to cyclohexanol

Microparticle HZSM-5 zeolite (MPZ) has been prepared without employing any organic templates, and used as a catalyst for the hydration of cyclohexene to synthesize cyclohexanol. MPZ exhibits better catalytic performance and superior settlement separation property than those of commercial HZSM-5 prepared by the traditional method using an organic template. The stability of MPZ has been investigated for a 1200-h test, and the regenerated performance of MPZ has also been investigated. The results show that although MPZ was reused for five recycles, the high cyclohexene conversion of 9.6 % and the high cyclohexanol selectivity of 96.8 % are still attained after the fifth regeneration. FT-IR, XRD and N₂ adsorption–desorption characterizations show that coke deposit on the surface and in the channels of MPZ is the main reason for the deactivation. ICP-AES, SEM–EDS and NH₃-TPD characterizations indicate that hydrothermal dealumination reduces the strong acidity and accelerates the catalyst deactivation. The spent catalyst by regeneration with H₂O₂ could be recovered to its initial high catalytic activity, due to the restored appropriate channels and exposed active sites.