Process for preparing zeolite Y with increased mesopore volume

A process for increasing the mesopore volume contained in mesopores having diameters of about 2 nm to about 60 nm of a stabilized zeolite having the structure of zeolite Y to produce a zeolite having the structure of zeolite Y and mesopore volume contained in mesopores of about 2 nm to about 60 nm in diameter, said process comprising:

• contacting hydrothermally said stabilized zeolite with an aqueous solution, having dissolved therein one or more salts, acids, bases, and/or water-soluble organic compounds, such contacting being made at a temperature above the atmospheric boiling point of the solution for a period of time from about 2 hours or more thereby producing a stabilized zeolite having the structure of zeolite Y and a mesopore volume contained in mesopores of about 2 nm to about 60 nm in diameter in the product zeolite of at least 5 percent greater than the mesopore volume of the zeolite prior to said contact, then separating, washing and recovering the product zeolite.