In order to study the effect of carbon nanostructures as hard templates, three silicoaluminophosphate samples using carbon nanotubes (SAPO-34/CNT), carbon nanofiber (SAPO-34/CNF) and graphene oxide (SAPO-34/GO) as well as one sample in the absence of nanocarbon structures were successfully synthesized. The effect of each of the hard templates on the physicochemical properties of the synthetic samples was studied using XRD, FESEM, BET, FTIR and NH3-TPD analyses. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the synthetic catalysts was compared in the methanol to olefin conversion (MTO) at atmospheric pressure, temperature of 400 degrees C and WHSV of 4.0 h(-1). The results of the investigation of physical characteristics of the catalysts indicate that varying the structure type changes such parameters as crystallinity and mesoporosity. This difference also results in different catalytic behavior in MTO reaction. Of the three carbon nanostructures used, graphene oxide had the greatest effect on the mesoporosity and pore size of SAPO-34 catalyst. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.