Breakthrough zeolite structure to unleash superior heavy oil cracking efficiency

Chinese researchers have developed a new aluminosilicate zeolite, ZMQ-1, which features a unique intersecting meso-microporous channel system that is expected to enhance catalytic processes in the petrochemical industry.

The study, published in Nature on Wednesday, highlights ZMQ-1 as the first aluminosilicate zeolite with interconnected intrinsic 28-ring mesopores. This breakthrough overcomes long-standing challenges related to zeolite pore size limitation, stability, and catalytic efficiency.

Zeolites are crystalline materials renowned for their applications in ion exchange, adsorption, and catalysis. However, their microporous structure limits their use in processing larger molecules. Researchers have addressed this limitation by developing a zeolite with intrinsic mesopores while maintaining stability and acidity.

ZMQ-1 zeolite was developed by a research team at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It has larger holes, allowing large molecules to pass through unimpeded. At the same time, it has strong stability and can stably perform molecular screening even in special environments such as high temperature and high moisture.

According to the researchers, ZMQ-1 makes the chemical production process more efficient and is environmentally friendly. For example, in the process of oil processing, the material can more efficiently convert heavy oil into gasoline and diesel, with a conversion rate of more than 80 percent, far higher than the current average level of 65 percent.

At the same time, the conversion method using this material can also reduce the production of by-products such as coke and waste gas, making the process greener.

Furthermore, in the field of biomass treatment, this type of new material can convert biological waste into chemicals with application value such as diesel and alcohol.  In the fields of fine chemicals and gas storage, it can also save energy and reduce consumption for industrial production, thereby providing new opportunities for promoting the upgrading of industries such as petrochemicals and biomass utilization, and providing important support for the development of green chemistry.

Breakthrough zeolite structure to unleash superior heavy oil cracking efficiency

Many people in Pakistan are hoping for the resumption of the U.S.-Iran peace talks as the mediator country has kept making preparations.

A main mediator between Washington and Tehran, Pakistan has placed Islamabad under extraordinary security in anticipation of the much-awaited second round of peace talks.

Thousands of police personnel, elite commandos and rooftop snipers were deployed across Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi, while major hotels were requisitioned for the expected delegations.

Despite the extensive preparations, the talks did not proceed, as Iran said the United States had failed to honor its prior commitments, citing maritime blockades, seizure of Iranian vessels and continued U.S. threats as key reasons for refusing to negotiate.

Iran had earlier announced a conditional and temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but the move did not lead to the lifting of U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports.

Tehran subsequently declared that it would resume control over passage through the strategic maritime channel.

Many Pakistanis hope the peace talks could continue and ease the price hike that had already pressured people's daily life.

"Whenever oil prices go up, everything else automatically follows suit, such as sugar, cooking oil, flavorings. Ordinary people like us are almost crushed by such cost of living. All I hope for now is that the US-Iran negotiations can proceed smoothly," said a shop owner in Islamabad.

Pakistani people hope for resumption of US-Iran peace talks