A series of flubrinated nano-HZSM-5 zeolite catalysts were prepared by impregnating with NH4F solutions of various concentrations and applied to the selective conversion of bio-ethanol to propene at 500 degrees C, atmospheric pressure, and WHSV of 10 h(-1). The characterizations by XRD, TEM, N-2 adsorption, ICP-OES, EDX, Al-27 MAS NMR, NH3-TPD, Py-IR, and TG techniques revealed that fluoride treatment had a major effect on the channel structure together with the acidic properties. The newly formed mesopores increased the coke tolerance capacity and reduced the probability of coke formation by facilitating mass transfer, and the weakened acidity suppressed the formation of coke. Hence, fluorine modification with suitable content (20 wt%) significantly enhanced the selectivity of propene as well as the catalytic stability. In addition to coke, elimination of aluminum in the zeolite framework was also an important reason for the deactivation of fluorinated nano-HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.