Ca-modified MFI zeolite: A study on its synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity

Using hydrothermal synthesis process a series of Mobil Five (MFI) zeolites were synthesized with silica to alumina ratio (SAR) of 50, 100 and 200. The synthesized MFI zeolites were used to exchange with 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% Ca(NO3)2 solutions for modification of MFI zeolites to Ca-MFI zeolite. The formation of MFI zeolite phases was identified by XRD and FT-IR analysis. TGA studies reveal the thermal stability of the synthesized samples. The successful exchange of the parent samples with Ca was confirmed by UV-Vis (DR) spectra. The specific surface area, pore volume and pore size of the synthesized samples were investigated by the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm. The morphology of the synthesized samples was examined using the scanning electron microscopy. O-methylation of phenol was carried over different synthesized catalysts to produce anisole as the major product.