Significance Multilayer b-orientated HZSM-5 catalytic coating is controllably synthesized by repeated growth of zeolite layer on Ti Symbol of the Klingon Empire OH-modified surface of sublayer. The as-prepared zeolite coating shows performance enhancement up to 110% in catalytic cracking of n-dodecane ascribed to enhanced mass transfer in its straight and short pathway along the b-axis. (c) 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1964-1968, 2014