Modification of pillared MFI zeolite nanosheets by nitridation with tailored activity in benzylation of mesitylene and benzyl alcohol

The modification of pillared MFI zeolites was performed by nitridation of silica pillared MFI zeolite nanosheets under NH₃ atmosphere with different time. The resultant zeolites were characterized by a complementary combination of X-ray power diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), pyridine-IR spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. The analyses showed that the nitridation didn't destroy the crystallinity and specific surface area of zeolites, and the acidity of zeolites can be tailored by tuning the time of nitridation, resulting in the different concentration ratios of Brønsted-to-Lewis (B/L) acid sites. Moreover, the nitrided zeolites exhibited high selectivity to 2-benzyl-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene than parent silica pillared MFI zeolite nanosheets in benzylation of mesitylene with benzyl alcohol. A balance between Brønsted acid sites and Lewis acid sites can inhibit the self-etherification of benzyl alcohol and enhance the selectivity of alkylated product. These experimental data implied that nitridation was an effective method to modulate the acidity of zeolites and the synergy between Brønsted acid sites and Lewis acid sites was a decisive factor to determine the selectivity.