Structure/acid-reactivity relationship of the zeolite catalyzed alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene by constructing micro‑meso composites

•The physical properties of Beta/MCM-41 micro‑meso composites were regulated in a large range by varying both the alkali concentration and surfactant template size.•The enhanced catalytic performance for the alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene can be achieved at suitable synthesis conditions.•A quantitative correlation was built between the catalyst physical properties and their catalytic performance.•The quantitative structure/acid-reactivity relationship built in this work is a significant step forward to the ab initio synthesis of catalyst.