Carbon nanotubes are shown to be useful materials for introduction of nanopores with a controlled diameter into zeolite single crystals. The intracrystalline nanopores are created by crystallization of the zeolite around the carbon nanotubes that are subsequently removed by combustion.

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.

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