Paper Title
A STUDY ON THE OPTIMIZED MODIFICATION METHODS FOR HYDROPHOBIC 13X ZEOLITE

Abstract
This study focused on optimizing the hydrophobic modification of 13X zeolite to enhance its durability against moisture and improve catalyst performance. 13X zeolite, composed of porous aluminosilicate, has a high surface area and reactivity. Additionally, it is widely used as a catalyst due to its low cost and excellent economic efficiency. However, its high hydrophilicity makes it easy to adsorb moisture, reducing the durability of the catalyst. Consequently, this leads to decreased catalyst performance due to moisture adsorption. To address this issue, this study applied acid treatment modifications to hydrophobize 13X zeolite and utilize it as a catalyst support. Through acid treatment modifications and various calcination methods, dealumination of 13X zeolite was performed. By removing aluminum, the Si/Al ratio of 13X zeolite was increased, improving its hydrophobicity. In this study, acid-treated modified 13X zeolite was used as a catalyst support. To verify the performance of the acid-treated modified 13X zeolite support, palladium (Pd) metal was applied to the support, and its performance was evaluated. Activity tests, XRD, BET, TEM, TPR, and TPO analyses were conducted to assess the activity and physical properties of the manufactured catalyst. The tests and analyses confirmed that the acid-treated modified 13X zeolite support improved the dispersion of Pd particles, thereby enhancing performance. Additionally, it was confirmed that the hydrophobic modification increased durability against moisture. Therefore, it was confirmed that optimizing the modification method of 13X zeolite improved catalyst performance, and the acid-treated modification of 13X zeolite enhanced the activity as a catalyst support. Keywords - 13X zeolite, Catalyst Durability, Acid Treatment, ModificationMethod, Hydrophobization