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[Display omitted] • HZSM-5 zeolites cross-linked with ultrathin siliceous layer are fabricated. • Catalytic cracking performance of n-butane on the silanization zeolites are largely enhanced. • Diffusion properties of n-butane on the zeolites are quantified by in situ FTIR spectroscopy. • Correlation between n-butane conversion rate per Brønsted acid site and diffusivity is negative. • HZSM-5 with siliceous monolayer intensifies catalytic performance and diffusivity of n-butane. A series of HZSM-5 zeolites are fabricated to make it cross-link with an external ultrathin siliceous layer by chemical liquid deposition and the corresponding thickness is measured by TEM and XPS analysis. In situ FTIR experiments disclose that the external surface acidic sites of HZSM-5 zeolite can be covered even by siliceous monolayer (0.7 ∼ 1.3 nm, HZ5-S1). In comparison to parent HZSM-5, the catalytic cracking performance of n-butane over the modified zeolites are evidently enhanced. In particular, the n-butane conversion rate per Brønsted acid site over the HZ5-S2 (16.02 min−1) at 550 °C is 2.82 times than that over the HZSM-5 (5.68 min−1). Meanwhile, the diffusion properties of n-butane over the zeolites are quantified by in situ FTIR spectroscopic analysis. Negative correlation between steady-state diffusivity and n-butane conversion rate per Brønsted acid site can be found, which unravels the origin of the progressive decrease in the catalytic stability. Under comparable conditions, more advantages can be greatly achieved by HZ5-S1 catalyst in the catalytic activity and the yields to light olefins due to the benign diffusivity and the elimination of external surface acidic sites. This study can provide a guidance for the understanding of diffusion intensification and the rational design of superior catalyst for the catalytic cracking reactions of alkanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three zeolites ZSM-5, ZSM-35 and ZSM-22 are applied in n -butane cracking to reveal the influence of regional differences in Brønsted acid sites on reaction pathways. The Brønsted acid sites located in the channels of ZSM-5 exhibit a higher catalytic activity and yields to light olefins (especially the ethylene), which can be attributed to more relative contribution of bimolecular pathway. In comparison, more Brønsted acid sites are situated on the external surface or micropore mouths of ZSM-35 and ZSM-22, which are beneficial to propylene production. Note-worthily, almost no propane production on the two zeolites implies the predomination of monomolecular pathway. In situ FTIR technique further discloses that the difference in the reaction pathways is tailored by adsorption configurations of n -butane at two types of Brønsted acid sites. Under comparable conditions, the ZSM-5 performs a relatively good catalytic stability through bimolecular pathway. Furthermore, the correlation between deactivation rate and light olefins reveals that the enhancement of propylene selectivity accelerates the deactivation of ZSM-35 and ZSM-22. While, promotion on the ethylene selectivity is a significant inducement for the deactivation of ZSM-5. Reaction pathways of n-butane cracking tailored by the influence of regional differences in Brønsted acid sites. [Display omitted] • Three typical 10-member ring zeolites ZSM-5, ZSM-35 and ZSM-22 are prepared. • Reaction pathways of n -butane cracking over the zeolites are investigated. • Regional differences in Brønsted acid sites tailor the selectivities to propylene and ethylene. • ZSM-5 zeolite exhibits high catalytic activity and stability compared to ZSM-35 and ZSM-22. • Catalyst deactivation mechanisms are revealed on different reaction pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]