An efficient microwave-assisted chelation (MWAC) post-synthetic modification method to produce hierarchical Y zeolites

We report a low-cost, highly energy efficient microwave-assisted chelation (MWAC) method, which enabled the post-synthetic modification of synthetic zeolites for adopting hierarchical structures within minutes. Exemplified by Zeolite Y, hierarchical Y zeolites prepared in this way showed exceptional specific external surface areas of >300 m² g⁻¹ and mesopore volumes of >0.46 cm³ g⁻¹. Comparative assessments revealed that developed zeolites have shown significantly improved catalytic activities for catalysis involving large substrates, such as catalytic cracking and hydrocracking of plastics.