Improved catalytic performance of Pd-Cu/NaY zeolite by tunning Al distribution for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate

•A series of Pd-Cu/NaY catalysts with different Al distribution in NaY were prepared and used for the DMC synthesis.•The activity of chlorine-free catalyst was further enhanced and the structure–activity relationship was disclosed.•The CO adsorption strength on Pd-NaY is moderated by increasing the Al-O-Si-O-Si-O-Al or Al-O-Si-O-Al linkages.