Zeolite catalysts are widely used in conversion processes of hydrocarbons, because of their high activity and shape selectivity. The conversion rate and the shape selectivity are closely related to intracrystalline diffusion rate and acidic properties of the zeolite catalyst. Carbonaceous materials called coke deposit on the catalyst during reactions, leading to changes in catalytic properties (diffusivity and acidic properties) as well as the reaction performance. This presentation reviews the mechanisms of the deactivation of zeolite catalysts caused by coke deposition from the following points of view. (1) Characterization of coke. Examination of the location of coke formation. (2) Relationship between the changes in acidic properties, and the acid strength and the acid amount. Prediction of the reduction of diffusion rate taking account of pore structure and molecular size. (3) Development of models for predicting the change in the activity and the shape selectivity.Zeolites are solid acid catalysts which are widely used in hydrocarbon processing, such as naphtha cracking, isomerization, dispropornation and alkylation. During reactions carbonaceous materials called coke deposit on the zeolite and reduces its activity and selectivity. Coke deposited not only covers the acid sites of the catalyst, but also blocks the pores, and restrain reactants from reaching the acid sites, leading to the decrease in the apparent reaction rate (1, 2). Here, we will mainly deal with the intracrystalline diffusivity of zeolites, and will discuss the relationship between it and the change in catalyst selectivity.
THE PORE STRUCTURES OF ZEOLITES AND THE MODES OF COKE DEPOSITIONZeolites are composed of crystals of alumino silicate with the size of 0.1-5 micron. The pores of HY type zeolites consist of super cages and windows (0.74 nm). ZSM-