Abstract: Ultrafine Y zeolite was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal crystallization method using spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst powders as the raw material. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, 29Si and 27Al solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, and particle size analysis. The results showed that the Y zeolite with particle size of 200 nm can be synthesized. The structure of the Y zeolite is strongly influenced by the activation method and the amount of structure directing agent. In the presence of the structure directing agent, the relative crystallinity and the surface area of the Y zeolite increased and the particle size decreased when the spent catalyst is activated by alkali.

Key words: fluid catalytic cracking, spent catalyst, Y zeolite, particle size, activation