Rare earth exchanged layered silicate catalysts

摘要

There is provided a catalyst comprising a layered silicate, such as magadiite, containing interspathic polymeric silica which serves to prop open the layers. The catalyst further comprises rare earth cations which are exchanged with other cations in the silicate. It has been discovered that this rare earth cation exchange imparts enhanced hydrothermal stability to the catalyst. There is also provided a method for making this catalyst and a process for using this catalyst for cracking hydrocarbons. In the cracking process, the catalyst is regenerated.