This work aims the synthesis and study of ZSM-5 catalysts for the conversion of ethanol to light olefins, especially, using an alternative route. The ethanol emerges as a renewable source for the production of olefins and the ZSM-5 catalyst has important characteristics such as acidity, surface area and particle size. The synthesis was carried out in hydrothermal treatment at 170 °C. Were performed two synthesis with templates, using n-butylamine and tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, and an alternative and novel way using a nucleating gel. The catalyst characterization was performed using several techniques (XRD, BET, SEM and TGA). The catalytic reaction studied the influence of temperature and the Si/Al2 ratio. The ethylene yield was up to 80 % for all catalysts. Lower SAR values obtain higher yields for propylene, around 8 %. The temperature, SAR and template influenced in the selectivity. The nucleating gel method showed to be a viable and inexpensive alternative for ZSM-5 synthesis.