ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression

Li, Yakun; Xin, Liuqi; Zhi, Junhao; Liu, Cong; Yang, Xuzhao; Zhou, Liming; Du, Miao; Zhang, Qiaofei

doi:10.3390/catal16090834

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ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression

by

Yakun Li

¹,

Liuqi Xin

¹,

Junhao Zhi

¹,

Cong Liu

¹,

Xuzhao Yang

¹

,

Liming Zhou

¹,

Miao Du

¹

and

Qiaofei Zhang

^2,*

¹

College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou 450000, China

²

College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450002, China

^*

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Catalysts 2026, 16(9), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090834

Submission received: 9 August 2026 / Revised: 13 September 2026 / Accepted: 15 September 2026 / Published: 17 September 2026

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zeolites as Catalysts: Applications in Chemical Engineering, Energy Sources and Environmental Protection, 3rd Edition)

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Abstract

In the context of energy security strategies, advancing the green and low-carbon energy transition is critical for achieving the “dual carbon” goals. A key technology in this transition is the catalytic cracking of non-edible oil to produce clean biofuels, which plays a vital role in accelerating industrial restructuring and upgrading traditional energy systems. However, ZSM-5 zeolites, the most widely used catalysts in this process, commonly encounter challenges such as coke deposition and subsequent deactivation. With a focus on the underlying reaction mechanism, this review provides an in-depth analysis of the origins of coke formation and systematically explores the key influencing factors, namely the acidic properties, pore architecture, and Si/Al ratio of ZSM-5 zeolites. Furthermore, recent advances in ex situ characterization and real-time monitoring techniques for identifying coke origins, composition, and spatial distribution are summarized. Building on these insights, we detail various strategies to suppress coke deposition, including constructing hierarchical pore structures, metal doping, core–shell catalyst design, plasma catalysis, and microwave-assisted techniques. Finally, we propose perspectives and recommendations for enhancing the coking resistance of ZSM-5 zeolites.

Keywords: non-edible oils; catalytic cracking; biofuel; ZSM-5; coke deposition; hierarchical pores

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MDPI and ACS Style

Li, Y.; Xin, L.; Zhi, J.; Liu, C.; Yang, X.; Zhou, L.; Du, M.; Zhang, Q. ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression. Catalysts 2026, 16, 834. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090834

AMA Style

Li Y, Xin L, Zhi J, Liu C, Yang X, Zhou L, Du M, Zhang Q. ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression. Catalysts. 2026; 16(9):834. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090834

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li, Yakun, Liuqi Xin, Junhao Zhi, Cong Liu, Xuzhao Yang, Liming Zhou, Miao Du, and Qiaofei Zhang. 2026. "ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression" Catalysts 16, no. 9: 834. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090834

APA Style

Li, Y., Xin, L., Zhi, J., Liu, C., Yang, X., Zhou, L., Du, M., & Zhang, Q. (2026). ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression. Catalysts, 16(9), 834. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090834

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ZSM-5 Zeolite for Catalytic Cracking of Non-Edible Oil: Strategies for Coke Suppression

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