HY Zeolite Catalyst

HY zeolite is the proton-exchanged H-form of Y zeolite, created by replacing Na⁺ cations with NH₄⁺ followed by calcination to generate strong Brønsted acid sites within the FAU framework. It retains the 12-membered ring pore openings (~7.4 Å) and ~12 Å supercages of the parent Y zeolite while delivering maximum Brønsted acidity — stronger and more abundant than dealuminated USY.

HY occupies a specific commercial niche: it is chosen when acidity matters more than hydrothermal stability. In FCC catalyst systems, HY is often used as the active matrix component where high cracking activity is required and the matrix experiences milder temperature and steam conditions than the primary USY-based cracking catalyst. In fine-chemical and batch acid catalysis, HY provides accessible strong acid sites without the cost or complexity of dealumination.

We supply HY with SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios from 5 to 80+, controlled Na₂O below 0.1 wt%, and powder or extrudate forms.

How to Select the Right HY Grade

HY selection is simpler than USY because the key trade-off is between acidity and stability.

SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio directly sets acid site density. Lower SAR (5-12) provides the highest Brønsted acidity — closest to the parent Y zeolite framework Al content — and is recommended for FCC active matrix, fine-chemical acid catalysis, and reactions where maximum conversion is the priority. Higher SAR (30-80+) results from partial dealumination and trades some acidity for improved stability, making it suitable for moderate-temperature acid catalysis.

Sodium level is critical. Na₂O must be below 0.1 wt% in the finished HY — residual sodium blocks acid sites. Every batch is supplied with Na₂O verification by XRF or ICP.

Particle size and form depend on the application. FCC matrix applications typically use micron-grade powder compatible with spray-drying. Fixed-bed and batch reactors may require extrudates or shaped bodies.

When to choose HY over USY. HY provides higher acidity today; USY provides stability tomorrow. If your process operates below 500 °C without significant steam exposure, HY is often the better choice on price and activity. If your process involves steam, high-temperature regeneration, or hydrothermal conditions, USY is the necessary alternative.

Available HY Grades

Custom SAR values and particle sizes available. For FCC matrix applications, start with HY-6 or HY-12. For fine-chemical acid catalysis, HY-6 provides the highest acid-site density.

Key Specifications

COA data for every shipment includes SiO₂/Al₂O₃, BET surface area, Na₂O, particle size distribution, and XRD crystallinity.

FCC Active Matrix

HY zeolite is widely used as the active matrix component in FCC catalysts. While USY serves as the primary cracking component — engineered for regenerator survival at 700-800 °C — HY provides additional acid sites in the catalyst matrix where temperatures are lower and steam exposure is less severe. This dual-zeolite approach allows FCC catalyst manufacturers to boost overall activity without compromising the stability of the USY component.

Hydrocracking and Acid Catalysis

HY is used in hydrocracking catalyst formulations where its strong acidity provides cracking activity in bifunctional metal/acid catalyst systems. It also serves as a solid acid catalyst in fine-chemical and specialty hydrocarbon conversion, where its accessible FAU supercages accommodate substrates too large for medium-pore zeolites.

HY vs USY

HY and USY share the FAU framework but differ in one critical dimension: dealumination. HY is proton-exchanged Y zeolite with maximum Brønsted acidity but limited hydrothermal stability. USY is dealuminated Y zeolite — it sacrifices acidity for the steam stability that FCC regenerators demand.

For the detailed comparison, see HY vs USY. The practical rule: if your process sees steam above 500 °C, use USY. If you need maximum acidity in milder conditions, HY is the better value.

Technical Documents

When requesting a sample, specify your target SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio, Na₂O limit, particle size, and whether you need powder or extrudate form.