Y Zeolite Properties

Y zeolite catalyst (FAU) is the foundational large-pore zeolite for FCC-related supplier evaluation. Its 12 A supercages, high ion-exchange capacity, and large surface area make it the starting material for the entire HY and USY product family.

Large-Pore Access

12-MR windows (7.4 A) lead to supercages approximately 12 A in diameter — the largest accessible void space among commercial zeolites. This allows heavy gas oil molecules to reach acid sites for cracking, the basis for Y zeolite’s 50-plus year dominance in FCC.

Surface Area and Pore Volume

BET surface area of 600 to 800 m2/g, among the highest of any zeolite. The supercage structure provides high micropore volume with good molecular accessibility. These properties are largely retained after HY and USY conversion.

Ion-Exchange Capacity

Na-Y contains 2 to 13 wt percent Na2O. This sodium is exchanged for NH4 plus to produce HY (via calcination) or directly for rare-earth and other metal cations. The high Al content (Si/Al 2.5 to 6) provides abundant exchange sites.

See Y Structure and the product hub.