Synthesis of a hierarchical TS-1 zeolite with tunable macropore size and its performance in the catalytic oxidation reactions†

Hierarchically structured materials are considered to be one of the important options to enhance the mass transportation efficiency in microporous zeolites. Herein, we reported a highly efficient steam-assisted crystallization strategy for the synthesis of a hierarchical TS-1 zeolite with a tunable macropore size. The amorphous SiO₂–TiO₂ precursor dissolved gradually and acted as both a nutrient supplier and macropore template in situ. The framework Ti content of the synthesized TS-1 zeolites could be tuned over a wide range (Ti wt% = 0.70–1.39) by varying the Ti content of the SiO₂–TiO₂ precursor. Moreover, the pore size of the macropores could be modulated according to the particle size of the precursor based on the investigation of the formation mechanism of the macropores in the hierarchical TS-1 zeolite. The hierarchical TS-1 zeolite exhibited better catalytic activity in the epoxidation reaction of 1-hexene and hydroxylation of phenol compared to the typical microporous zeolites. The improved performance of the hierarchical TS-1 zeolite was probably caused by the improved diffusion performance of the hierarchical structure.