Abstract: Spherical ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts were prepared by water column forming method. The samples were characterized by static nitrogen adsorption-desorption, strength tester and XRD and evaluated in the MTA reaction. The influences of binder type, binder proportion and post-treatment process on the properties of spherical ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst were studied. The results indicate that the alumina gel is the preferred binder, with the increase of amount of alumina gel，the strength of ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts improves. When dosage of alumina gel is 40% and after post-treatment with aluminum nitrate, the spherical ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts with pore volume of 0.34 mL/g, specific surface 282 m2/g and crushing strength 38 N are obtained. When it is applied to the MTA reaction with Zn, Ni as active component, the yields of liquid and aromatics and aromatics selectivity are all better than the extruded sample.

Key words: water column forming, spherical ZSM-5 zeolite, catalyst, MTA reaction