Tailoring MFI@RFE hybrid zeolites for enhanced polyethylene cracking performance--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

a Division of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha no. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
b Doctoral Program of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha no. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
c Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155, Indonesia
d Center for Catalysis and Reaction Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha no. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
e Research Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia

10.1016/j.partic.2026.03.024

Volume 113, June 2026, Pages 113-122

Received 9 December 2025, Revised 3 March 2026, Accepted 13 March 2026, Available online 27 March 2026, Version of Record 2 April 2026.

E-mail: grandprix.thomryes@itb.ac.id

Highlights

• A novel MFI@RFE composite zeolite was successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method.

• The Si/Al ratio significantly affects the formation of MFI@RFE composite.

• MFI@RFE composite exhibits excellent catalytic performance in polyethylene cracking.

• Synergistic MFI–RFE framework enhances cracking behavior and lowers activation energy.

Abstract

Zeolites have long emerged as promising catalysts for plastic cracking and overcoming key challenges in hydrocarbon conversion and waste recycling. However, among hundreds of zeolite types, each has its own unique structure, selectivity, and suffers from intrinsic limitations, including MFI-type zeolite (Mobil Five) and RFE-zeolite type. In this regard, MFI zeolites, which consist of a three-dimensional 10-membered ring pore system, have been proven to exhibit high aromatic selectivity, although their shape selectivity is relatively less strict due to intersecting channels. On the other hand, RFE zeolite, previously referred to as ∗MRE, has one-dimensional 10-membered rings that offer stricter shape selectivity, which is crucial for maximizing specific isomers, but suffers from diffusion limitation. This work aims to develop the novel MFI@RFE zeolite composite to integrate the complementary advantages of both frameworks and to evaluate its catalytic performance in the cracking of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The results exhibit that MFI@RFE zeolite composite was successfully synthesized through the hydrothermal method with a Si/Al ratio of RFE as shell is 50, 75, and 100 (MFI@RFE50, MFI@RFE75, and MFI@RFE100). Among these, the MFI@RFE75 sample showed the optimum catalytic performance in LDPE cracking, reaching 50% conversion at 386 °C and observed activation energy of 103.88 kJ mol⁻¹. Both values were significantly lower than those of the MFI and RFE catalysts. Overall, these results highlight the potential of rationally designed composite zeolites as an effective strategy to improve catalytic performance in polyethylene cracking through synergistic framework integration.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Catalytic cracking; Composite zeolite; Low-density polyethylene; MFI zeolite; RFE zeolite

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