Bimetallic catalysts based on ZSM-5 zeolite modified with ytterbium and nickel have been prepared. The influence of the concentration of ytterbium (1.7–5.0 wt.%) and nickel (1.0–1.5 wt.%) on the acidic, textural and catalytic properties of the zeolite in the reaction of alkylation of toluene with isopropanol in the temperature range of 300–350⁰C was studied. It has been shown that the unmodified zeolite HZSM-5 exhibits low selectivity (54.6–58.2%) for isopropyltoluenes (3-IPT, 4-IPT, and 2-IPT) than the modified catalysts. In addition, the content of the valuable 4-IPT isomer does not exceed 44.2%. Modification of HZSM-5 with ytterbium in an amount of 5.0 wt.% leads to an increase in the selectivity for isopropyltoluenes up to 68.7%, and the selectivity for 4-IPT up to 68.8%. Additional modification of the 3%-Yb-HZSM-5 catalyst with nickel in the amount of 1.0 wt.% prevents the formation of 2-IPT and promotes an increase in the yield of 4-IPT. The modified catalysts were characterized by XPA, BET, BJH, and ammonia TPD. Modification, calcination, and successive treatment of the catalyst with air and hydrogen leads to a dispersed distribution of Yb₂O₃ and metallic nickel oxide nanoparticles in the outer surface and in the pores of the zeolite, which causes a decrease in the specific surface area, total pore volume, and an increase in the fraction of mesopore volume. As a result of the interaction of modifiers with acidic OH groups of the zeolite, the concentration of strong Brønsted acid sites decreases and new, stronger Lewis acid sites form. All this has a decisive effect on the selectivity of 4-IPT formation and the stability of the bimetallic catalyst. The maximum selectivity for 4-IPT on a 3% Yb 1.0% Ni/HZSM-5 bimetallic catalyst is achieved at 330⁰C and is 71.5% at a toluene conversion of 24.6%.

doi.org/10.32737/0005-2531-2024-89-96