Seed-assisted synthesis of FER/MOR composite zeolite and its specific catalytic application in carbonylation reaction

A series of FER/MOR composite zeolites were synthesized through seed-assisted organic template free route. And the FER/MOR composite zeolites exhibited specific catalytic performance in the dimethyl ether carbonylation to methyl acetate reaction. SEM images revealed that the FER circle plates grew along the surface of MOR bundle aggregates. Good pore connectivity and high adsorption capacity were observed on FER/MOR on basis of the hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe NMR spectra and propane adsorption results, which was different from its corresponding mechanical mixture. Quantitative analysis of 1H MAS NMR spectra using pyridine as probe revealed that the total Brϕnsted acid density in FER/MOR, especially that in 8 MR channel, was higher than that of single zeolites. High Brϕnsted acid density and good pore connectivity guaranteed the superior performance of FER/MOR in DME carbonylation reaction.