Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of hierarchical TS-1 with carbon template from sucrose carbonization

A series of hierarchical porous TS-1 zeolites had been successfully synthesized using cheap tetrapropylammonium bromide as microporous template and carbon material from sucrose carbonization as mesoporous template. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-infrared spectroscopy, N-2 physical adsorption-desorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The catalytic performances of the obtained materials were investigated via the oxidation of both small and bulky molecular sulfur compounds (thiophene and benzothiophene) using H2O2 as oxidant. The mesopores or macropores system is clearly demonstrated by N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, scanning and transmission electron microscopy images. Moreover, the hierarchical pores correspond well with the framework structure of the carbon template trapped in TS-1 crystals, which confirms the template effect of the carbon material from sucrose carbonization. The reaction results show that hierarchical porous TS-1 zeolites not only give high removal rates of small molecular thiophene, but also exhibit high activities in oxidation of bulky benzothiophene, which are superior to TS-1. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.