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MFI metallosilicates AlMFI and FeMFI were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis, and Zn species were introduced into these MFI-type zeolites by ion exchange. Acetone-to-aromatics (ATA) reactions were carried out using the MFI-type zeolites before and after Zn ion exchange treatment. We examined the effects of zeolite Brønsted acid strength, Zn species, and Zn dose on (1) selective production of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) from acetone, and (2) catalyst lifetime. AlMFI selectively produced BTX due to its strong Brønsted acidity, and the introduction of Zn further enhanced its BTX selectivity. In contrast, FeMFI showed high selectivity for light olefins even after Zn ion exchange treatment. Increasing the Zn dose added to AlMFI did not improve its BTX selectivity but did suppress the catalytic deactivation rate. Together, the effects of Zn addition and AlMFI's strong Brønsted acidity resulted in highly selective BTX production and long catalyst lifetimes in the ATA reaction. [Display omitted] • Zn-containing AlMFI and FeMFI zeolites were prepared by ion exchange. • Catalytic performance in acetone-to-aromatics reaction was examined. • Introduction of Zn into AlMFI further enhanced BTX selectivity. • Increasing the Zn dose suppress the catalytic deactivation rate. • Combined effects of Zn and the strong acidity resulted in selective BTX production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]