Synthesis of core–shell structured zeolite nanocomposite comprising ZSM-5 core and zeolite Y shell

Zeolite core-zeolite shell synthesis is promising to enhance selective catalysis in the petrochemical industry, yet the complex synthesis poses a challenge. The successful growth of the Na-Y zeolite shell over the ZSM-5 core, producing a nanocrystalline core–shell structure, was achieved by hydrothermal crystallization via a sequential seeding-dissolution-growth route via alkaline-induced desilication of ZSM-5, followed by the addition of silica and alumina precursors to grow nanosized Na-Y crystallites over the ZSM-5 core. The successful fabrication of the core–shell structure was confirmed by different physicochemical characterizations. The optimized core–shell zeolite demonstrated noteworthy characteristics, featuring a high BET surface area of 493 m²g⁻¹ and an external surface area of 195 m²g⁻¹. Further, the material exhibited a connected porous network, contributing to the total pore volume of 0.52 cm³g⁻¹. Such a strategy can be adopted to fabricate other core–shell materials for advancing the catalytic processes.