Catalytic Benzene Alkylation over Mesoporous Zeolite Single Crystals: Improving Activity and Selectivity with a New Family of Porous Materials

Mesoporous zeolite single-crystal catalysts are shown to be both more active and more selective than conventional zeolite catalysts in the alkylation of benzene with ethene. The superior catalytic properties are ascribed to improved mass transport in the mesoporous zeolite crystals. Thus, mesoporous zeolite single-crystal catalysts combine the high acidity, shape-selectivity, and hydrothermal stability of zeolites with the efficient mass transport that is typically achieved in mesoporous materials.