What are the key applications of ZSM-5 in catalysis?
ZSM-5 is utilized in numerous industrial applications:
1. Petroleum Refining: ZSM-5 is widely used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) to break down large hydrocarbon molecules into gasoline, diesel, and other valuable products. 2. Methanol to Gasoline (MTG): This process converts methanol into gasoline-range hydrocarbons using ZSM-5 as the catalyst. 3. Aromatization: It catalyzes the conversion of alkanes to aromatics, which are essential in the production of chemicals like benzene, toluene, and xylene. 4. Dehydration Reactions: ZSM-5 is effective in the dehydration of alcohols to produce alkenes. 5. Environmental Catalysts: It can be used in the reduction of NOx emissions from automotive exhausts.
