Methods of producing catalyst compositions, and methods of cracking hydrocarbon feed streams using such catalyst compositions

A method for producing a catalyst composition, the method comprising:

• forming a precursor solution comprising a silicon-containing material, an aluminum-containing material, and a quaternary amine;
• hydrothermally treating the precursor solution at a first temperature to form an intermediate mixture;
• hydrothermally treating the intermediate mixture at a second temperature to form beta zeolite, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature by at least 200° C.;
• forming an extrudable mixture comprising the beta zeolite, alumina, a metal precursor, and a binder;
• extruding the extrudable mixture to form extrudates;
• and
• calcining the extrudates to form the catalyst composition;
• wherein:
• the beta zeolite is not calcined before extruding the extrudable mixture;
• the silicon-containing material comprises fumed silica;
• the quaternary amine comprises tetraethylammonium hydroxide;
• the first temperature is of from 100° C. to 150° C.;
• the second temperature is of from 500° C. to 650° C.;
• and
• the metal precursor comprises molybdenum and nickel.