Visual observation of contact-induced intercrystalline migration of aromatic species adsorbed in zeolites by fluorescence microscopy.

Intercrystalline migration and a migration-assisted chemical reaction of adsorbed aromatic species between zeolite particles in physical contact were visualized by fluorescence microscopy coupled with a particle manipulation technique. The luminescence color characteristics of particular zeolite particles originating from the specific photochemistry of adsorbed species was exploited to follow the migration of the molecules. Two examples are shown that are relevant to the visualization of the time-dependent migration process: A one guest-two sets of zeolite crystals system: chrysene (Chry)-loaded zeolite Na+ -X (the sodium form of zeolite X) crystals were placed in contact with unloaded Tl+ -X (thallium-exchanged X) crystals and allowed to stand at room temperature. Initially, the blue fluorescence of Chry was detected only from the Na+ -X particles, but later, the development of green phosphorescence emission was discernible from the Tl+ -X which suggests that Chry migrated from the Na+ -X to the Tl+ -X crystals. A two guest-species systems: Electron-donating Chry-loaded Na+ -X crystals were placed in contact with electron-accepting 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB)-loaded Na+ -X or Na+ -Y crystals. With time, the former system (Chry/Na+ -X and TCNB/Na+ -X) gave rise to the emission of Chry-TCNB charge-transfer complexes resulting mainly from the migration of Chry while the latter system (Chry/Na+ -X and TCNB/Na+ -Y) afforded the same emission resulting largely from the migration of TCNB. The present investigation reveals that there is a certain direction for guest migration depending on the zeolite host and the nature of host-guest or guest-guest interaction.     

Adsorption of Nitrogen, Oxygen and Argon on Na-CeX Zeolites

Commercial type X zeolites (Linde 13X) are nitrogen selective. Oxygen is the less abundant component in air; hence oxygen selective sorbents are desired for air separation. Mixed Na-Ce type X zeolites containing different ratios of Ce³⁺/Na⁺ ions are prepared by partial ion exchange of commercial X zeolite. The adsorption isotherms of nitrogen, oxygen and argon are measured and the pure-component selectivity ratios are compared and analyzed against commercial zeolites (13X) for air separation. Oxygen selectivity over nitrogen (1.5) and argon (4.0) are seen for mixed Na-Ce type X zeolite (Si/Al = 1.25; Ce³⁺/Na⁺ < 4.0) from Henry's constant determined from low pressure adsorption measurements. The oxygen and nitrogen isotherms cross over for mixed Na-Ce type X zeolite (Si/Al = 1.25; Ce³⁺/Na⁺ < 4.0), and the pressure at which cross they over increases as Ce³⁺/Na⁺ approaches 1. The oxygen selectivity as claimed in the patent by N.V. Choudary, R.V. Jasra, and S.G.T. Bhat (US Patent no. 6,087,289, 2000) is seen only at very low pressures in the volumetric adsorption measurement and the hydrogen treatment of the Ce-exchanged samples have no effect on the adsorption characteristics.     

Theoretical study of the adsorption of ethylene on alkali‐exchanged zeolites

The structures of alkali‐exchanged faujasite (X–FAU, X = Li⁺ or Na⁺ ion) and ZSM‐5 (Li–ZSM‐5) zeolites and their interactions with ethylene have been investigated by means of quantum cluster and embedded cluster approaches at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d, p) level of theory. Inclusion of the Madelung potential from the zeolite framework has a significant effect on the structure and interaction energies of the adsorption complexes and leads to differentiation of different types of zeolites (ZSM‐5 and FAU) that cannot be drawn from a typical quantum cluster model, H₃SiO(X)Al(OH)₂OSiH₃. The Li–ZSM‐5 zeolite is predicted to have a higher Lewis acidity and thus higher ethylene adsorption energy than the Li–FAU zeolites (16.4 vs. 14.4 kcal/mol), in good agreement with the known acidity trend of these two zeolites. On the other hand, the cluster models give virtually the same adsorption energies for both zeolite complexes (8.9 vs. 9.1 kcal/mol). For the larger cation‐exchanged Na–FAU complex, the adsorption energy (11.6 kcal/mol) is predicted to be lower than that of Li–FAU zeolites, which compares well with the experimental estimate of about 9.6 kcal/mol for ethylene adsorption on a less acidic Na–X zeolite. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 94: 333–340, 2003     

Photochemistry of phenyl alkyl ketones adsorbed on zeolite molecular sieves. Observation of pronounced effects on Type I/Type II photochemistry

The photolysis of phenyl alkyl ketones adsorbed on a number of commonly available zeolites (molecular sieves) can result in dramatic changes in Type I/Type II photochemistry.The photochemistry of ketones in ordered environments is a topic of current interest^2–4. Environmental effects can have important influence on the conformational flexibility of organic molecules, which in turn can affect the outcome of photochemical reactions⁵. Two recent reports^2,3 on the Norrish Type II reaction in ordered media prompts us to report our initial studies of the photochemistry of a number of phenyl alkyl ketones adsorbed in zeolites.Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates of usually well-defined structure⁶. Within the zeolite framework are a system channels and cavities of varying dimensions(2 – 13Å)⁶, some of which are capable of adsorption of large organic molecules (e.g., substituted benzenes). Thus the possibility that the internal spaces (or void volumes) of zeolites can exert topological control on organic photochemical reactions warrants investigation, since it is well-known that zeolites display shape-selective catalytic and adsorptive properties in important industrial chemical processes¹⁰. However, only a handful of reports of photochemical reactions on zeolites are known^4,7–9; the majority of these concern the catalytic splitting of water⁹. In this study, several commonly available zeolites were studied, and the results are compared to those obtained in homogeneous solution.Phenyl alkyl ketones $\text{1}$ - $\text{3}$ were employed in this study. The photochemistry of valerophenone $\text{1}$, octanophenone $\text{2}$, and α,α-dimethylvalerophenone $\text{3}$ is relatively well-understood in solution^11–13. For $\text{1}$ and $\text{2}$, the photobehaviour is characterized by Type II reaction, to give a triplet 1,4-biradical, which can either fragment, to give acetophenone, or cyclize, to give $\text{cis}$ and $\text{trans}$ cyclobutanols (eqn.1). Type I reaction in not observed. In solution, the ratio of fragmentation of cyclization (F/C) products is ～ 4 for $\text{1}$ and $\text{2}$. In general, the $\text{trans}$ isomer dominates, with t/c = 3 – 5 in benzene, and decreasing to a limit of 1 in more polar solvents (MeOH or micelles)^11-–13. For $\text{3}$. Type I reaction is observed in addition to Type II. The ratio of Type I/Type II product has been reported to be 0.3 in benzene without added thiol, and 0.6 with added thiol¹¹.Ketones $\text{1}$ and $\text{3}$ were deposited on Zeolites Na⁺-A, Na⁺-X, Na⁺-Y, Na⁺-Mordenite and resembling $\text{C}$ is also possible, from which cyclization is prohibited. For $\text{3}$, Type I reaction is known to compete with the Type II process¹¹. Adsorption of this ketone on Silicalite results in reaction via the least-motion pathway, namely Type I reaction, to give benzaldehyde as the aromatic product. Thus the behaviour of this ketone on Silicalite is quite consistent with the explanation offered for $\text{1}$ and $\text{2}$.Na⁺-Y is a large pore zeolite, with a pore diameter of ～8 Å and an internal cavity (supercage) of ～13 Å⁶. Additionally, we have found from related studies¹⁶ that of the zeolites capable of adsorbing benzene-type molecules studied in this work, Na⁺-Y allows the greatest degree of molecular mobility for photogenerated benzyl radical. Thus the observed F/C ratios of less than unity for this zeolite probably reflects the increased mobility of the photogenerated 1,4-biradical, allowing it to undergo ring closure readily. Interestingly, this zeolite also gave an $\text{inverse}$ t/c ratio for cyclobutanols of $\text{2}$.The results for the other zeolites are not readily distinguishable from those observed in solution, although two of these (Na⁺-X and Na⁺-Mordenite) are capable of adsorbing $\text{1}$ - $\text{3}$⁶. In any event, these two zeolites offer a medium for Type I/Type II reaction which essentially duplicate the behaviour in solution without the presence of solvent. Additional studies are in progress to further study the use of zeolites as a medium for photochemical reactions.     

Application of Different Zeolites for Improvement of the Characteristics of a pH‐FET Biosensor Based on Immobilized Urease

Different modifications of the zeolites Na⁺‐Beta and LTA were applied for improving the working characteristics of a urea biosensor. The bioselective membrane of the biosensor was based on urease and different zeolites co‐immobilized with bovine serum albumin on the surface of a pH‐FET. It was shown that the biosensors modified with the zeolites H⁺‐Beta30 and H⁺‐Beta50 are characterized by increased sensitivity to urea. The influence of the zeolite concentration on the sensitivity of the biosensors was studied. The optimal concentration of the zeolites H⁺‐Beta30 and H⁺‐Beta50 in the bioselective membrane was 15 %. Different variants of co‐immobilization of urease and zeolite H⁺‐Beta30 were studied and the optimal method was selected. Thus, a general conclusion is that the urea biosensor sensitivity can be improved using zeolite H⁺‐Beta30 for urease immobilization in the bioselective membrane.     

The effects of alkali metal(Na+,K+) on the exchange degree of Hβ zeolite and the catalytic properties of the alkalized zeolites

The effects of alkali metals (Na+,K+) on the exchange degree of Hβ zeolite under different conditions and the conversion of α(or β)-methylnaphthalene over the alkalized zeolites were studied. The results showed that the H+ of Hβ zeolite is totally replaced by the Na+ of NaCl solution, while partially exchanged by the K+ of KC1 solution, there is an exchange equilibrium between the H+ and K+ for Hβ zeolite (Si/Al=17.23) and the value of equilibrium is 88.39. The exchange degree also increases with increasing the Si/Al of the samples. It was suggested that these resluts are attributed to the electrostatic field in the pore of Hβ zeolite and the nature of zeolite and the properties of alkali metal. The isomerization of α(or β)-methylnaphthalene is the main reaction over the samples and it is more favour on the proper acid-base sites of KHβ zeolite.     

Cs and Sr removal from solution using potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate impregnated zeolites</p> </p>

Summary Potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate, KNiFC, was incorporated in the porous matrix of zeolites by successive impregnation with Ni(NO₃)₂ and</o:p></p> K₄Fe (CN)₆.¹ CFC and PFC exchangers were first prepared by impregnating the potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate into the clinoptilolite and the synthetic P zeolite, respectively. Ion-exchange isotherms and breakthrough curves were plotted. Results showed that the CFC sorbent is suitable for removal of Cs⁺ where PFC is more suitable for Sr²⁺. Negative effect of Na⁺ as a competing ion in these exchangers was less than in the parent zeolites. Isotherm plots fitted the Langmuir equation.</p> </p>     

Investigations of the adsorption of n-pentane in several representative zeolites

We have examined the adsorption of n-pentane in several representative zeolites such as silicalite (MFI), ferrierite (FER), zeolite L (LTL), and faujasite zeolites with FAU structure including siliceous Y (Si-Y) and Na-Y by using FT-Raman spectroscopy in combination with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with particular attention being paid to the conformational and dynamic behavior of the guest molecule. The results indicate that the framework topology mainly dictates the conformation of n-pentane in a zeolite. For the zeolites with channel systems such as silicalite, ferrierite, and zeolite L, the population of the all-trans conformer increases upon loading, given that the geometry of the isomer fits better in the channel. When n-pentane is adsorbed in zeolites with a large cavity, such as Si-Y and Na-Y, the distribution of the all-trans (TT) and trans-gauche (TG) conformers is similar to that of pure liquid, suggesting that the large supercage in the framework imposes minimal effect on the conformational equilibrium. The dynamics of the guest molecule is, however, influenced significantly by the existence of cations. Adsorption of n-pentane in a siliceous framework such as silicalite and Si-Y results in extensive molecular motion at room temperature, the degree of which decreases with decreasing temperature. In zeolites ferrierite, L, and Na-Y, the presence of cations in the framework markedly hinders the overall molecular motion. The cations clearly play a role in the observed static disorder of the guest molecule in zeolite L. Important information regarding the location of the n-pentane molecules within silicalite and ferrierite is also obtained.     

Triplet photochemistry within zeolites through heavy atom effect, sensitization and light atom effect

Methods to generate triplets of organic molecules within zeolites have been established by employing the Zimmerman rearrangement of barrelenes, oxa-di-π-methane rearrangement of β,γ-unsaturated ketones and photodimerization of acenaphthylene as probe reactions. The two methods, heavy cation effect and triplet sensitization, are well established solution techniques and these work well within zeolites. The Zimmerman rearrangement of dibenzobarrelene is enhanced even within Li⁺ and Na⁺ exchanged zeolites and these are believed to be the result of slowing of the rearrangement to dibenzocyclooctatetraene from S₁ through cation-π interaction. The methods described here provide an opportunity to explore the control afforded by the zeolite environment on triplet reactions.     

Adsorption behaviors of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and CH<Subscript>4</Subscript> on zeolites JSR and Na<Subscript>n</Subscript>JSR using the GCMC simulations

The adsorption behaviors of CO₂ and CH₄ on new siliceous zeolites JSR and Na_nJSR (n = 2, 8, 16) were simulated using the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo method. The adsorption isotherms of CO₂ became higher with an increase in the Na⁺ number at a low pressure range (<150 kPa), whereas the isotherms showed a crossover with increasing pressure and the adsorption amount became smaller at a high pressure range (>850 kPa). With an increase in Na⁺ number, the pore volume decreased as the pore space was occupied by increasing Na⁺ ions. Additionally, two energy peaks on the interaction energy curves implied that CO₂ was adsorbed on two active sites. On the other hand, the adsorption amount of CH₄ decreased with an increase in the Na⁺ number and only one energy peak was observed. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich equations up to 1000 kPa and the adsorption affinity of CO₂ on Na₁₆JSR zeolite was highest. The adsorption capacities of CO₂ in the studied zeolites were up to 38 times higher than those of CH₄. Diffusion constants of CO₂ and CH₄ decreased with an increase in the adsorbed amount and Na⁺ number. Considering the adsorbed amount, adsorption selectivity and affinity, zeolites JSR with a low Na⁺ number (JSR and Na₂JSR) is a good candidate for a pressure swing adsorption in the separation of CO₂/CH₄ mixture whereas JSR zeolites with high Na⁺ ratios (Na₁₆JSR and Na₈JSR) may be a better selection for a vacuum swing adsorption.     

Influence of ion-exchange and impregnation modification of zeolite X on its catalytic properties in the alkylation of toluene with methanol

The dependence of the activity and selectivity of ion-exchanged forms of zeolite X with incorporated cesium process in alkylation of toluene with methanol in the side chain on the nature of the ion-exchanged cations (Na⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺) has been established. It is shown that introduction of Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in combination with Cs₂CO₃ significantly increased the yields of ethylbenzene and styrene in comparison with their yields on alkali forms of zeolite X. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 33–38, January–February, 2006.     

Specific Sorption Sites for Nitrogen in Zeolites NaLSX and LiLSX

Specific sorption sites for nitrogen, N₂, in NaLSX and LiLSX zeolites were investigated using a DRIFT spectroscopic method. Sorption of molecular hydrogen, H₂, by NaLSX or LiLSX zeolite at 77 K with DRIFT control of perturbation of sorbed molecules allowed to discriminate two or three different types of specific sorption sites in the respective zeolites. Their H–H stretching frequencies are 4077 and 4081 cm^–1 for NaLSX, and 4061, 4084 and 4129 cm^–1 for LiLSX. With reference to an independent investigation by methods of both sorption thermodynamics and molecular modeling for N₂ sorption on LiLSX, the first two of the corresponding bands were ascribed to H₂ sorption on lithium cations, Li⁺, localized in supercages of the faujasite, FAU, zeolite framework at sites SIII and SIII, while the latter band most likely belongs to H₂ sorption on Li⁺ cations at sites SII, and on hydroxyl groups, OH. Sorption of N₂ by Li⁺ cations at sites SIII and SIII is the strongest, resulting in a decrease of intensity of the corresponding DRIFT bands that stem from subsequent H₂ sorption. Nitrogen sorption by Li⁺ cations at sites SII is much weaker. Sorption of N₂ on Na⁺ cations at sites SIII in NaLSX zeolite is also stronger than by Na⁺ cations at sites SII.     

Photoelectron intensity spectroscopy  analytical and structural information from peis applied to zeolites

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) based on calculated photoionization cross sections was used to investigate the surface Si/Al ratio of different zeolites and the cation distribution in Ag- and Ca-exchanged NaA-zeolites. We find the same module at the surface as in the bulk, but a strong de-alumination of the surface after HCl treatment. The Ag⁺ ions are enriched and the Na⁺ ions depleted in the outer cavities of the zeolite crystals, both in strong dependence on the Ca content.     

Zeolite synthesis from waste fly ash and its application in CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> capture from flue gas streams

Zeolite A and A + X mixtures were prepared from coal-fly ash procured from China by using an alkali fusion method. X-ray diffraction showed that both the materials were crystalline and reproducible. Scanning Microscopy revealed that pure zeolite A particles have cubic morphology while the mixture shows intergrowth of cubic and pyramidal crystals. The surface area for A + X mixture was around 330 m²/g which is higher than zeolite A, however, lower than typical X zeolite. CO₂ and N₂ adsorption isotherms were measured and the data was fitted by the Dual Site Langmuir equation. These zeolites were then tested for CO₂ capture at different temperatures in a process with a nine step cycle. When compared with 13X zeolites at higher temperature (∼90 °C), both the zeolite A + X mixture and zeolite A prepared from fly ash showed better performance in CO₂ capture from flue gas because they have higher selectivity of CO₂ over N₂.     

Recovery of Pd(II) and Ru(III) from aqueous waste using inorganic ion-exchanger

The applicability of mica minerals and zeolites for the efficient removal of valuable platinum group metals (PGMs), Pd(II) and Ru(III) from aqueous waste by sorption has been investigated. The sorption of PGMs Pd(II) onto mica-mineral, muscovite and Ru(III) onto natrolite as zeolite have been studied as a function of (i) exchanger composition, (ii) temperature at which sorption process takes place and (iii) the presence of competing cations such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺. These three factors have remarkable effect on the sorption process. The synthesized gel was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy.     

Antimicrobial Properties of Zeolite-X and Zeolite-A Ion-Exchanged with Silver,Copper, and Zinc Against a Broad Range of Microorganisms

Zeolites are nanoporous alumina silicates composed of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen in a framework with cations, water within pores. Their cation contents can be exchanged with monovalent or divalent ions. In the present study, the antimicrobial (antibacterial, anticandidal, and antifungal) properties of zeolite type X and A, with different Al/Si ratio, ion exchanged with Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ ions were investigated individually. The study presents the synthesis and manufacture of four different zeolite types characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The ion loading capacity of the zeolites was examined and compared with the antimicrobial characteristics against a broad range of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, and mold. It was observed that Ag⁺ ion-loaded zeolites exhibited more antibacterial activity with respect to other metal ion-embedded zeolite samples. The results clearly support that various synthetic zeolites can be ion exchanged with Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ ions to acquire antimicrobial properties or ion-releasing characteristics to provide prolonged or stronger activity. The current study suggested that zeolite formulations could be combined with various materials used in manufacturing medical devices, surfaces, textiles, or household items where antimicrobial properties are required.     

Effective removal of uranium ions from drinking water using CuO/X zeolite based nanocomposites: effects of nano concentration and cation exchange

For the first time, effects of CuO nanoparticles concentration (from 1 to 24.2 wt%) in CuO/NaX nanocomposite and replacing various cations (Ag⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) with Na⁺ ions in NaX zeolite on removal of uranium ions from drinking water are reported. The removal of uranium was performed under natural conditions of pH, laboratory temperature and the presence of competing cations and anions that are available in tap water of Isfahan city. Characterization of parent NaX zeolite and modified samples were investigated using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy methods. Using Langmuir, Freundlich, and C-models, isotherms of equilibrium adsorption were studied. Results show the removal efficiency and distribution coefficient of NaX zeolite decrease in the presence of other competing anions and cations that exist in drinking water. But, modification of NaX zeolite with various cations and CuO nanoparticles might enhance the ability of X zeolite in removing uranium from drinking water.     

亚硝胺在小微孔沸石上的“嵌入式”吸附探讨

通过结构计算分析了大体积的六亚甲基亚硝胺（NHMI）和N’-亚硝基去甲烟碱（NNN）在小微孔沸石上各种可能的吸附方式,结合实验事实推断出它们以－N－N=O官能团嵌入沸石孔道进行吸附的几率最大.这种“嵌入式”吸附方式是小微孔沸石得以吸附、分离那些体积远远大于其孔径的毒物分子的重要原因,可用以拓宽沸石在生态环境保护中的应用.     

Iranian clinoptilolite-rich tuffs for radionuclide removal from water

Three Iranian natural zeolites were characterized and evaluated for their abilities to take up Ba⁺², Ca⁺², K⁺ and Na⁺ from radioactive waste waters. The distribution coefficient values (K _d ) of the cations were measured and investigated as a function of pH. Four different cationic forms (Na, K, NH₄, and Ca) were also prepared and theirK _d values were determined. Some cations such as potassium presented highK _d values both in natural and exchanged zeolites. In sodium and ammonium exchanged forms theK _d values increased between 7 to 100 times with respect to the untreated zeolite.     

Synthesis of Discrete CHA Zeolite Nanocrystals without Organic Templates for Selective CO2 Capture

Small-pore zeolites such as chabazite (CHA) are excellent candidates for the selective separation of CO₂; however, the current synthesis involves several steps and the use of organic structure-directing agent (OSDA), increasing their cost and energy requirements. We report the synthesis of small-pore zeolite crystals (aluminosilicate) with CHA-type framework structure by direct synthesis in a colloidal suspension containing a mixture of inorganic cations only (Na⁺, K⁺, and Cs⁺). The location of CO₂ molecules in the host structure was revealed by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED). The high sorption capacity for CO₂ (3.8 mmol g⁻¹ at 121 kPa), structural stability and regenerability of the discreate CHA zeolite nanocrystals is maintained for 10 consecutive cycles without any visible degradation. The CHA zeolite (Si:Al=2) reaches an almost perfect CO₂ storage capacity (8 CO₂ per unit cell) and high selectivity (no CH₄ was adsorbed).