Facile synthesis of anatase-free hierarchical TS-1 zeolite containing highly active TiO6 species for alkene epoxidation and oxidative desulfurization

The fabrication of hierarchical zeolite structure and rational modulation of Ti active sites in TS-1 zeolite are both recognized as critical factors for improving catalytic performance in selective oxidation reactions. Herein, we propose a facile and cost-effective strategy combined a dry-gel conversion (DGC) method with a preliminary aging step for the direct synthesis of anatase-free hierarchical TS-1 zeolite containing highly active TiO6 species. The coordination states of Ti species in TS-1 zeolites were thoroughly investigated via UV–vis, FTIR, XPS and UV-Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, systematic characterizations were performed to investigate the impacts of the synthetic strategy on the crystallization process, including the formation of hierarchical TS-1 zeolite structure and the modulation of Ti species coordination. The obtained TS-1 zeolite demonstrated exceptional catalytic activity and stability in olefin epoxidation and oxidative desulfurization reactions. This discovery not only advances the design and synthesis of titanosilicate zeolites but also expands their potential applications in various selective oxidation processes.