AbstractA variety of phosphated zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 samples are investigated by using a combination of Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, single pulse 27Al, 29Si, 31P, 1H‐31P cross polarization (CP), 27Al‐31P CP, and 27Al 3Q magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy, scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) and N2 physisorption. This approach leads to insights into the physicochemical processes that take place during phosphatation. Direct phosphatation of H‐ZSM‐5 promotes zeolite aggregation, as phosphorus does not penetrate deep into the zeolite material and is mostly found on and close to the outer surface of the zeolite, acting as a glue. Phosphatation of pre‐steamed H‐ZSM‐5 gives rise to the formation of a crystalline tridymite AlPO4 phase, which is found in the mesopores of dealuminated H‐ZSM‐5. Framework aluminum species interacting with phosphorus are not affected by hydrothermal treatment. Dealuminated H‐ZSM‐5, containing AlPO4, retains relatively more framework Al atoms and acid sites during hydrothermal treatment than directly phosphated H‐ZSM‐5.