Catalytic performance of IM-5 zeolite with high xylene selectivity in benzene alkylation with methanol. An alternative to ZSM-5 zeolite

H-ZSM-5, H-IM-5, and H-IM-5(DS) zeolites were synthesized as highly active and shape selective catalysts for the alkylation of benzene with methanol. The samples were characterized by N₂-adsorption-desorption, XRD, SEM, TEM, NH₃-TPD, and Py-FTIR. The benzene conversion and xylene selectivity were in the same order H-IM-5(DS) > H-IM-5 > H-ZSM-5, while the toluene selectivity was in the reverse order. Combined with the analysis of pore structure and TEM, H-IM-5(DS) zeolite was equipped with more meso/macropores and it exhibited even better catalytic properties. The optimum reaction condition with H-IM-5(DS) as catalysts was obtained.