The influence of zoned Al distribution of ZSM-5 zeolite on the reactivity of hexane cracking

•ZSM-5 zeolites with different Al distribution were synthesized by seed-assisted epitaxial growth.•ZSM-5 with zoned Al in the rim and homogeneous Al across the crystal were determined by desilication process.•ZSM-5 with homogeneous Al distribution exhibited higher olefin yield and longer lifetime in hexane catalytic cracking.•A primary cracking deactivation mechanism on ZSM-5 with different Al distribution was proposed.